1 Corinthians 14:21
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμῳ
the law
G3551
νόμῳ
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
3 of 22
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
4 of 22
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
ὅτι
G3754
ἑτερογλώσσοις
men of other tongues
G2084
ἑτερογλώσσοις
men of other tongues
Strong's:
G2084
Word #:
7 of 22
other- tongued, i.e., a foreigner
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χείλεσιν
lips
G5491
χείλεσιν
lips
Strong's:
G5491
Word #:
10 of 22
a lip (as a pouring place); figuratively, a margin (of water)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαῷ
people
G2992
λαῷ
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
14 of 22
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὕτως
yet for all
G3779
οὕτως
yet for all
Strong's:
G3779
Word #:
18 of 22
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:49The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;Jeremiah 5:15Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.
Historical Context
Isaiah 28:11-12 addressed Israel's drunken leaders who mocked his clear preaching. God warned He'd speak through foreign tongues (Assyrian invaders)—a sign of judgment. Paul applies this typologically to tongues in Corinth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's use of Isaiah 28:11-12 shape his view of tongues?
- What does it mean for tongues to be a 'sign' of judgment for unbelievers?
- How does this OT background help us understand tongues in the NT church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people—Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11-12, a judgment oracle against unbelieving Israel. God said He'd speak through foreign invaders' languages (Assyrian), a sign of judgment for rejecting His clear prophetic word. And yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord—even judgment-tongues wouldn't produce faith.
Paul's exegesis: tongues functioned in Isaiah as a sign of judgment for unbelief, not a blessing for believers. The citation prepares for verse 22: tongues are a sign for unbelievers (a negative sign, indicating judgment), while prophecy serves believers (building them up). The OT citation grounds Paul's argument in redemptive history: God's use of incomprehensible speech signaled judgment, not favor.