1 Corinthians 14:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:11
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, obedience, holiness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 14:11
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
Analysis
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian—Greek barbaros (βάρβαρος) originally meant a non-Greek speaker (from "bar-bar," the sound of incomprehensible speech). And he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me—the mutual incomprehension makes both parties "barbarians" to each other.
Paul's point: uninterpreted tongues create the same alienation as a language barrier. The term barbaros isn't ethnic slur but linguistic description—without shared language, we're foreigners to each other. In the church, called to unity (12:13, "one body"), creating linguistic barriers through uninterpreted tongues contradicts the gospel's reconciling power. Pentecost gave intelligible speech (Acts 2:6, "every man heard them speak in his own language"); Corinth's tongues without interpretation creates Babel.
Historical Context
In the Roman Empire, language barriers were real obstacles. Paul uses this common experience to show how uninterpreted tongues fracture rather than build Christian community.
Reflection
- How does uninterpreted speech create 'barbarians' in the church?
- What's the theological significance of contrasting Corinth's chaos with Pentecost's clarity?
- What other practices might create barriers ('barbarians') rather than build community?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Acts 28:2