John Gill Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:7

John Gill Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:7

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
John Gill
John Gill

John Gill Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:7

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?" — 1 Corinthians 14:7 (ASV)

And even things without life giving sound
He instances in things inanimate, that have neither reason, sense, nor life, in musical instruments, and these of various sorts:

whether pipe or harp ;
wind music, or hand music; either that which is blown with the breath, or pressed or stricken with the hand:

except they give a distinction in the sounds ;
or "tunes", so as one may be discerned from another; as that this is such a musical note, and that is another:

how shall it be known what is piped or harped ?
what tune is played; such an use of instruments would be a mere jargon, and not music, and so yield no pleasure to the ear, or mind; and just the like must speaking in an unknown tongue be, to one that understands it not.