1 Corinthians 14:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:21
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, discipleship. 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 14:21
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 28:49, Jeremiah 5:15