1 Corinthians 14:22
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
Wherefore
G5620
ὥστε
Wherefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 21
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλῶσσαι
tongues
G1100
γλῶσσαι
tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
3 of 21
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
σημεῖόν
a sign
G4592
σημεῖόν
a sign
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
5 of 21
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύουσιν
for them which believe
G4100
πιστεύουσιν
for them which believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
9 of 21
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπίστοις
for them that believe not
G571
ἀπίστοις
for them that believe not
Strong's:
G571
Word #:
12 of 21
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπίστοις
for them that believe not
G571
ἀπίστοις
for them that believe not
Strong's:
G571
Word #:
18 of 21
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Historical Context
The Corinthians apparently thought tongues would impress unbelievers, demonstrating the Spirit's presence. Paul argues the opposite: tongues confuse outsiders, while prophecy convicts them (v. 24-25).
Questions for Reflection
- In what sense are tongues a 'sign' for unbelievers?
- Why don't tongues serve evangelistic purposes according to Paul?
- How should the distinction between believers and unbelievers shape our corporate worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not—Greek hōste hai glōssai eis sēmeion eisin (ὥστε αἱ γλῶσσαι εἰς σημεῖον εἰσιν, "so tongues are for a sign"), but for tois apistois (τοῖς ἀπίστοις, "the unbelieving"), not tois pisteuousin (τοῖς πιστεύουσιν, "the believing"). But prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe—the chiastic reversal.
The "sign" is ambiguous (see v. 21's judgment context): tongues serve as a sign to unbelievers—but what kind? Verse 23 clarifies: unbelievers hearing tongues think Christians are mad, hardly a positive witness. Paul's point: tongues don't convert unbelievers (they confuse them), while prophecy edifies believers. The Corinthians had it backwards, prizing tongues in believer-gatherings where prophecy should dominate.