1 Corinthians 14:7
And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
Original Language Analysis
ὅμως
And even
G3676
ὅμως
And even
Strong's:
G3676
Word #:
1 of 22
at the same time, i.e., (conjunctionally) notwithstanding, yet still
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνὴν
sound
G5456
φωνὴν
sound
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
4 of 22
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
δῷ
giving
G1325
δῷ
giving
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
5 of 22
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 22
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φθόγγοις
in the sounds
G5353
φθόγγοις
in the sounds
Strong's:
G5353
Word #:
13 of 22
utterance, i.e., a musical note (vocal or instrumental)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δῷ
giving
G1325
δῷ
giving
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
15 of 22
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
16 of 22
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
γνωσθήσεται
shall it be known
G1097
γνωσθήσεται
shall it be known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
17 of 22
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Greek culture prized music and rhetoric. Paul's audience would immediately grasp the absurdity of a flute producing indistinct sounds—it defeats the instrument's purpose. So does unintelligible speech in worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this musical analogy illuminate the nature of edifying communication?
- What other analogies might help modern readers understand Paul's point?
- In what ways might our worship lack 'distinction in sounds'—clarity of message?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp—Paul uses an analogy from musical instruments (apsycha phōnēn didonta, "lifeless things giving sound"). Except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? The Greek diastolos (διαστολή, "distinction, difference") refers to discrete, recognizable tones.
The rhetorical question drives home the point: even inanimate instruments require intelligible patterns to communicate. Random notes aren't music; they're noise. Similarly, uninterpreted tongues lack the diastolos necessary for meaningful communication. Paul's analogy appeals to common sense: communication requires distinction, pattern, intelligibility.