Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
Verse Takeaways
1
Who is a 'Barbarian'?
Commentators explain that a 'barbarian' in this context isn't an uncivilized person but simply a foreigner. The term, used by Greeks and Romans for anyone who didn't speak their language, describes a state of mutual unintelligibility. When a language isn't understood, both the speaker and the hearer are like foreigners to each other, unable to communicate or connect.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
1 Corinthians
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On 1 Corinthians 14:11
18th Century
Theologian
The meaning of the voice. Of the language that is uttered, or the sounds that are made.
I will be to him, etc. What I say …
AT Robertson
On 1 Corinthians 14:11
The meaning of the voice (την δυναμιν της φωνης). The power (force) of the voice.
A barbarian (βαρβαρος). …
Charles Ellicott
On 1 Corinthians 14:11
19th Century
Bishop
Therefore if I do not know the meaning of the voice.—Language is useless unless we know what meaning is attached to each …
Go Ad-Free
Go ad-free and create your own bookmark library
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Corinthians 14:11
Paul’s reference to the “languages in the world” and the “foreigner” substantiates the conclusion that in his discussion of tongues he has in mind …
John Calvin
On 1 Corinthians 14:11
16th Century
Theologian
I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian. The tongue should be an index of the mind—not merely in the sense of the proverb, but in the …
John Gill
On 1 Corinthians 14:11
17th Century
Pastor
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice
The force and power of a language, the signification of it, the ide…
Matthew Henry
On 1 Corinthians 14:6–14
17th Century
Minister
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 i…