1 Corinthians 14:9
Parallel Verses
New International Version
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.


English Standard Version
So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.


New American Standard Bible
So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.


King James Bible
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.


Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air.


International Standard Version
In the same way, unless you speak an intelligible message with your language, how will anyone know what is being said? You'll be talking into the air!


American Standard Version
So also ye, unless ye utter by the tongue speech easy to understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking into the air.


Douay-Rheims Bible
So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue plain speech, how shall it be known what is said ? For you shall be speaking into the air.


Darby Bible Translation
Thus also ye with the tongue, unless ye give a distinct speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking to the air.


Young's Literal Translation
so also ye, if through the tongue, speech easily understood ye may not give -- how shall that which is spoken be known? for ye shall be speaking to air.


Commentaries
14:6-14 Even an apostle could not edify, unless he spoke so as to be understood by his hearers. To speak words that have no meaning to those who hear them, is but speaking into the air. That cannot answer the end of speaking, which has no meaning; in this case, speaker and hearers are barbarians to each other. All religious services should be so performed in Christian assemblies, that all may join in, and profit by them. Language plain and easy to be understood, is the most proper for public worship, and other religious exercises. Every true follower of Christ will rather desire to do good to others, than to get a name for learning or fine speaking.

9. So … ye—who have life; as opposed to "things without life" (1Co 14:7).

by the tongue—the language which ye speak in.

ye shall speak—Ye will be speaking into the air, that is, in vain (1Co 9:26).

1 Corinthians 14:8
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