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So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air.
Verse Takeaways
1
Clarity is Key for Edification
All commentators agree that the central principle of this verse is the necessity of clarity for communication to be effective. Paul uses the vivid image of 'speaking into the air' to describe speech that isn't understood. Scholars explain this is like talking to the wind—the words are wasted because they cannot edify, exhort, or comfort the hearers.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
1 Corinthians
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7
18th Century
Presbyterian
So likewise ye, etc. To apply the case: If you use a foreign language, how will it be known what is said, or of what use will it be, unles…
Unless ye utter speech easy to be understood (εαν μη ευσημον λογον δωτε). Condition of third class again (εαν and aorist subjuncti…
19th Century
Anglican
So likewise ye.—This is not the application of the preceding, but the introduction of a third illustration, namely, the varieties …
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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…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood This is a…
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…
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13th Century
Catholic
Here the Apostle addresses a potential objection or misunderstanding that could arise from what he just said. Some might believe that since the Apo…
