1 Corinthians 14:10 Meaning and Explanation
“There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →There are countless kinds of languages in the world, and every one of them carries meaning.
What Does 1 Corinthians 14:10 Mean?
Paul broadens his view to the whole world and its many languages. He acknowledges the rich variety of human speech, granting that each tongue, in its place, conveys real meaning to those who know it.
His point is not to diminish any language but to show that meaning depends on being understood. A tongue is precious to the people who share it and opaque to everyone else. So a sound full of significance to one can be empty to another who lacks the key. Paul is building toward compassion: the goal is not impressive speech but shared understanding, that no one in the room is left outside.
1 Corinthians 14:10 in the Original Language
phōnē (φωνή), 'voice' -- a sound or language, here the many distinct tongues spoken among the peoples of the earth.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 14:10
What does 1 Corinthians 14:10 mean?
There are countless kinds of languages in the world, and every one of them carries meaning.