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Verse Takeaways
1
A Clear Call to Action
Commentators explain that Paul uses a vivid, universally understood illustration from warfare. A trumpet's call had to be clear for soldiers to know whether to advance, retreat, or assemble. An uncertain sound was not just useless, but dangerous. Similarly, any communication in the church must be clear and understandable to be effective.
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Book Overview
1 Corinthians
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Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On 1 Corinthians 14:8
18th Century
Theologian
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound. The trumpet was commonly used in war. It is a well-known wind instrument, and was made of bras…
AT Robertson
On 1 Corinthians 14:8
An uncertain voice (αδηλον φωνην). Old adjective (α privative, δηλος, manifest). In N.T. only here and Lu 11:44. Military trumpet …
Charles Ellicott
On 1 Corinthians 14:8
19th Century
Bishop
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound.—Not only has each instrument its own sound, but in each instrument there is a…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Corinthians 14:8
Paul now gives some vivid illustrations. The flute and the harp were wellknown and valued musical instruments in Greece, and the Jews would be acqu…
John Gill
On 1 Corinthians 14:8
17th Century
Pastor
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound
That is not plain and manifest, so as that it cannot be known on what acc…
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…