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."

Bible > 1 Corinthians > Chapter 14 > Verse 21

◄ 1 Corinthians 14:21 ►

New International Version
In the Law it is written: “With other tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.”

New Living Translation
It is written in the Scriptures: “I will speak to my own people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me,” says the LORD.

English Standard Version
In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

Berean Literal Bible
In the Law it has been written: "By other tongues, and by other lips, I will speak to this people, and not even thus will they hear Me, says the Lord."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.

New American Standard Bible
In the Law it is written: “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord.

NASB 1995
In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord.

NASB 1977
In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord.

Legacy Standard Bible
In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord.

Amplified Bible
It is written in the Law, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF FOREIGNERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND NOT EVEN THEN WILL THEY LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord.

Christian Standard Bible
It is written in the law, I will speak to this people by people of other tongues and by the lips of foreigners, and even then, they will not listen to me, says the Lord.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It is written in the law: I will speak to these people by people of other languages and by the lips of foreigners, and even then, they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.

American Standard Version
In the law it is written, By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers will I speak unto this people; and not even thus will they hear me, saith the Lord.

Contemporary English Version
In the Scriptures the Lord says, "I will use strangers who speak unknown languages to talk to my people. They will speak to them in foreign languages, but still my people won't listen to me."

English Revised Version
In the law it is written, By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers will I speak unto this people; and not even thus will they hear me, saith the Lord.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God's word says, "Through people who speak foreign languages and through the mouths of foreigners I will speak to these people, but even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord."

Good News Translation
In the Scriptures it is written, "By means of people speaking strange languages I will speak to my people, says the Lord. I will speak through lips of foreigners, but even then my people will not listen to me."

International Standard Version
In the Law it is written, "By means of foreign languages and through the mouths of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," declares the Lord.

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
It is written in the law: "By people with strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, yet not even in this way will they listen to me," says the Lord.

New Heart English Bible
In the law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people; but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord.

Webster's Bible Translation
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

Weymouth New Testament
In the Law it stands written, "'By men of unknown tongues and by the lips of an unknown nation will I speak to this People, but even then they will not listen to Me', says the Lord."

World English Bible
In the law it is written, “By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. They won’t even listen to me that way, says the Lord.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
in the Law it has been written, that, “With other tongues and with other lips I will speak to this people, and even so they will not hear Me, says the LORD”;

Berean Literal Bible
In the Law it has been written: "By other tongues, and by other lips, I will speak to this people, and not even thus will they hear Me, says the Lord."

Young's Literal Translation
in the law it hath been written, that, 'With other tongues and with other lips I will speak to this people, and not even so will they hear Me, saith the Lord;'

Smith's Literal Translation
It has been written in the law, That in other tongues and in other lips will I speak to this people; and not so will they hear me, says the Lord.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
In the law it is written: In other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; and neither so will they hear me, saith the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is written in the law: “I will speak to this people with other tongues and other lips, and even so, they will not heed me, says the Lord.”

New American Bible
It is written in the law: “By people speaking strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me, says the Lord.”

New Revised Standard Version
In the law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people; yet even then they will not listen to me,” says the Lord.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
In the law it is written, With a foreign speech, and in another tongue, I will speak to this people; yet for all that, they will not listen to me, says the LORD.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
It is written in the law, “With foreign speech and with another language I shall speak with this people, and not even in this way will they hear me, says THE LORD JEHOVAH.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
In the law it is written: Through men of other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people; and not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord.

Godbey New Testament
It has been written in the law; I will speak to this people with other tongues and with the lips of others; and thus they will not hearken unto me, says the Lord.

Haweis New Testament
In the law it is written, “That with other tongues, and with other lips, will I speak to this people: and even thus will they not attend to me, saith the Lord.”

Mace New Testament
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."

Weymouth New Testament
In the Law it stands written, "'By men of unknown tongues and by the lips of an unknown nation will I speak to this People, but even then they will not listen to Me', says the Lord."

Worrell New Testament
In the law it has been written, "With other tongues, and with lips of others, I will speak to this people; and not even thus will they listen to Me," saith the Lord.

Worsley New Testament
It is written in the law, "By men of another language, and by other lips, will I speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me, saith the Lord."

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Prophecy and Tongues
…20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. 21It 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.” 22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Isaiah 28:11-12
Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people / to whom He has said: “This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose.” But they would not listen.

Deuteronomy 28:49
The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand,

Jeremiah 5:15
Behold, I am bringing a distant nation against you, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD. “It is an established nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know and whose speech you do not understand.

Acts 2:4-11
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. / Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. / And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. ...

Acts 10:44-46
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. / For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,

Acts 19:6
And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

Romans 15:19
by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:10
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:28-30
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. / Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? / Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 14:2
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:5-6
I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. / Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

1 Corinthians 14:18-19
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. / But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:22
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

Treasury of Scripture

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, said the LORD.

the law.

John 10:34
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

Romans 3:19
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

With.

Deuteronomy 28:49
The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Isaiah 28:11,12
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people…

Jeremiah 5:15
Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

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1 Corinthians 14

1. Prophecy is commended,
2. and preferred before speaking in tongues,
6. by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.
12. Both must be referred to edification,
22. as to their true and proper end.
26. The true use of each is taught,
27. and the abuse rebuked.
34. Women in the churches.

Berean Study Bible

It is written in the Law
This phrase indicates the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, often referring to the Old Testament. The "Law" here is not limited to the Pentateuch but can encompass the broader Hebrew Scriptures. Paul is likely referencing Isaiah 28:11-12, which underscores the continuity and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the New Testament. The use of "written" emphasizes the permanence and divine inspiration of Scripture, reminding believers of the unchanging truth of God's Word.

By strange tongues
The term "strange tongues" refers to languages that are foreign or unknown to the listeners. In the context of Isaiah, it was a prophecy about the Assyrian invasion, where the Israelites would hear foreign languages as a sign of judgment. In the New Testament context, Paul uses this to illustrate the purpose of tongues as a sign, particularly to unbelievers. The Greek word for "tongues" (glōssais) can mean both the physical organ and languages, highlighting the miraculous nature of speaking in tongues as a divine gift.

and foreign lips
"Foreign lips" further emphasizes the idea of languages that are not understood by the native speakers. Historically, this phrase would remind the Jewish audience of times when God used foreign nations to communicate His judgment and sovereignty. The use of "foreign" (heterōn) suggests something different or other, pointing to the diversity of God's methods in reaching His people and the universality of His message.

I will speak to this people
God's intention to "speak" signifies His desire to communicate and reveal Himself to His people. Despite their rebellion, God continues to reach out, showing His patience and mercy. The phrase "this people" specifically refers to the Israelites, but by extension, it applies to all who are called by God. It underscores the personal nature of God's relationship with His people and His ongoing effort to draw them back to Himself.

but even then they will not listen to Me
This phrase highlights the tragic reality of human stubbornness and the rejection of God's message. Despite clear signs and wonders, the people often choose to ignore God's voice. The Greek word for "listen" (akousontai) implies not just hearing but understanding and obeying. This serves as a warning to the church to remain attentive and responsive to God's Word, lest they fall into the same pattern of disobedience.

says the Lord
The declaration "says the Lord" affirms the divine authority behind the message. It is a reminder that the words spoken are not merely human opinions but the very words of God. This phrase carries the weight of divine command and assurance, encouraging believers to trust in the reliability and truth of God's promises. It serves as a call to heed the voice of the Lord, who is sovereign and just in all His ways.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21, 22) In the law it is written.--The preceding teaching is illustrated and enforced by an appeal to Jewish history. The Old Testament as a whole was not infrequently thus designated "the Law." (See John 10:34; John 12:34; John 15:25.) The words are scarcely a quotation, but rather an illustration taken from Isaiah 28:9-12. The passage there refers to the refusal of Israel to hearken to Jehovah when He spoke to them with clearness and simplicity, and His judgment on them taking the form of declaring that He would make a foreign people--the Assyrians--be His mouthpiece to them in the future, in a language which they knew not. It is as if the Apostle said: Remember there was a time in Jewish history when an unintelligible language was a sign sent by God, and proved unavailing as regards the conversion of Israel. The gift which you so exalt now is equally useless by itself for that same purpose.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. - In the Law. The quotation is from Isaiah 28:11, 12, but the term "the Law" was applied generally to the Old Testament, as in John 10:34; John 12:34; John 15:25; Romans 3:19). With men of other tongues, etc. The application of this Old Testament quotation furnishes one of the many singular instances of quotation which prove that the Jews often referred to the words without any direct reference to their context or original meaning. He here wishes to show that glossolaly had little or no value except as an evidence to unbelievers, and illustrates this by Isaiah 28:11, 12. Now, in that passage Isaiah tells the drunken priests, who scornfully imitated his style, that, since they derided God's message so delivered to them, God would address them in a very different way by the Assyrians, whose language they did not understand; and that even to this stern lesson, taught them by people of alien tongue, they would remain deaf. In the original, therefore, there is not the least allusion to any phenomenon resembling the "gift of tongues." But the mere words of a scriptural passage always came to Jews with all the force of an argument, independently of their primary meaning; and it was enough for St. Paul's purpose that in Isaiah the allusion is to unintelligible utterance, and to the fact that the teaching which it was meant to convey would be in vain. And other lips. St. Paul does not quote the LXX. The Hebrew has "with stammerings of lips and another tongue will he speak" (comp. Deuteronomy 28:49).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

It is written
γέγραπται (gegraptai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Law:
νόμῳ (nomō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

“By
Ἐν (En)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

strange tongues
ἑτερογλώσσοις (heteroglōssois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2084: From heteros and glossa; other- tongued, i.e. A foreigner.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

foreign
ἑτέρων (heterōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2087: (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.

lips
χείλεσιν (cheilesin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5491: From a form of the same as chasma; a lip; figuratively, a margin.

I will speak
λαλήσω (lalēsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

to this
τούτῳ (toutō)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

people,
λαῷ (laō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.

[but]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

even
οὐδ’ (oud’)
Adverb
Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.

then
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

they will {not} listen to
εἰσακούσονταί (eisakousontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1522: To hear, listen to, heed. From eis and akouo; to listen to.

Me,
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

says
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

[the] Lord.”
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:21 In the law it is written (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)