Bible Compass
Log inGet started
Back to the chapter

1 Corinthians 14:11

The stranger and outcast

9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

10 Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.

If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

13 Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.

Read the whole chapter

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.
KJV
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.
WEB
If then I don’t know the meaning of the language, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me.
ASV
If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.
DARBY
If therefore I do not know the power of the sound, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks a barbarian for me.
BLB
Therefore unless I know the power of the voice, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking, a barbarian to me.
ÅB
dersom jeg altså ikke kjenner språkets betydning, blir jeg en utlending for den som taler, og den som taler, blir en utlending for meg.
OTB
Så hvis jeg ikke kjenner betydningen av språket, vil jeg være en fremmed for den som taler, og den som taler vil være en fremmed for meg.
B1930
dersom jeg altså ikke kjenner sprogets betydning, blir jeg en utlending for den som taler, og den som taler, blir en utlending for mig.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Acts 28:2

    The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold.

    Read in context

  • Romans 1:14

    I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.

    Read in context

  • Acts 28:4

    When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”

    Read in context

  • 1 Corinthians 14:21

    It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”

    Read in context

  • Colossians 3:11

    Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

    Read in context