1 Corinthians 14:8
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
3 of 11
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
φωνὴν
sound
G5456
φωνὴν
sound
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
5 of 11
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
δῷ
give
G1325
δῷ
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 11
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 11
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
παρασκευάσεται
shall prepare himself
G3903
παρασκευάσεται
shall prepare himself
Strong's:
G3903
Word #:
9 of 11
to furnish aside, i.e., get ready
Cross References
Numbers 10:9And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.Jeremiah 4:19My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.Isaiah 27:13And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.Amos 3:6Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?Joel 2:1Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
Historical Context
Roman military signals were precise and crucial. An uncertain trumpet could cause catastrophic confusion in battle. Paul's audience, living under Roman military presence, would immediately grasp the life-or-death stakes of clear communication.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the military analogy differ from the musical one, and why does Paul escalate?
- In what ways is the church 'at battle' during worship, needing clear signals?
- What modern worship practices might create 'uncertain sounds' that confuse believers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? The military analogy intensifies the argument. Greek adēlos phōnēn (ἄδηλος φωνή, "uncertain/unclear sound") from a war trumpet (salpigx, σάλπιγξ) means no one knows whether to advance, retreat, or stand.
The rhetorical question expects: "No one!" An unclear trumpet is worse than useless—it's dangerous, causing confusion in crisis. Paul's escalation from music (v. 7) to warfare (v. 8) raises the stakes: unclear communication in worship isn't merely aesthetically displeasing; it's spiritually perilous. The church at worship is the church at war (Eph 6:10-20), and soldiers need clear commands.