New International Version Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. New Living Translation So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. English Standard Version Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. Berean Standard Bible Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. Berean Literal Bible So then, tongues are for a sign, not to the believing, but to the unbelieving; but prophecy is not to the unbelieving, but to the believing. King James Bible Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. New King James Version Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. New American Standard Bible So then, tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is not for unbelievers, but for those who believe. NASB 1995 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. NASB 1977 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers, but to those who believe. Legacy Standard Bible So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign not to unbelievers but to those who believe. Amplified Bible Therefore, [unknown] tongues are [meant] for a [supernatural] sign, not to believers but to unbelievers [who might be receptive]; while prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people] is not for unbelievers but for believers. Berean Annotated Bible Tongues (languages), then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. Christian Standard Bible Speaking in tongues, then, is intended as a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. Holman Christian Standard Bible It follows that speaking in other languages is intended as a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers. But prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. American Standard Version Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe. Contemporary English Version Languages others don't know may mean something to unbelievers, but not to the Lord's followers. Prophecy, on the other hand, is for followers, not for unbelievers. English Revised Version Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe. GOD'S WORD® Translation So the gift of speaking in other languages is a sign for unbelievers, not for believers. The gift of speaking what God had revealed is a sign for believers, not for unbelievers. Good News Translation So then, the gift of speaking in strange tongues is proof for unbelievers, not for believers, while the gift of proclaiming God's message is proof for believers, not for unbelievers. International Standard Version Foreign languages, then, are meant to be a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers, while prophecy is meant, not for unbelievers, but for believers. NET Bible So then, tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. New Heart English Bible Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe. Webster's Bible Translation Wherefore languages are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them who believe. Weymouth New Testament This shows that the gift of tongues is intended as a sign not to those who believe but to unbelievers, but prophecy is intended not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. World English Bible Therefore other languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionso that the tongues are for a sign, not to the believing, but to the unbelieving; and the prophecy [is] not for the unbelieving, but for the believing. Berean Literal Bible So then, tongues are for a sign, not to the believing, but to the unbelieving; but prophecy is not to the unbelieving, but to the believing. Young's Literal Translation so that the tongues are for a sign, not to the believing, but to the unbelieving; and the prophesy is not for the unbelieving, but for the believing, Smith's Literal Translation So that tongues are for a sign, not to the believing, but to the unbelieving: and the gift of prophecy, not to the unbelieving, but to the believing. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherefore tongues are for a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers; but prophecies not to unbelievers, but to believers. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, tongues are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers; and prophecies are not for unbelievers, but for believers. New American Bible Thus, tongues are a sign not for those who believe but for unbelievers, whereas prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. New Revised Standard Version Tongues, then, are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThus, the gift of languages is instituted as a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers: but prophesying is meant, not for those who do not believe, but for those who believe. Aramaic Bible in Plain English So then languages are established for a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers, but prophecy is not for unbelievers, but for those who believe. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentTherefore, tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to those who believe not: but prophecy is not for those who believe not, but for those who believe. Godbey New Testament So tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelievers: and prophecy is not for the unbelievers, but for the believers. Haweis New Testament Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to those that believe, but to those who do not believe: but the gift of prophecy is not for those who are infidels, but for believers. Mace New Testament wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers: but expounding the prophets, not for unbelievers so much as for those who believe. Weymouth New Testament This shows that the gift of tongues is intended as a sign not to those who believe but to unbelievers, but prophecy is intended not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Worrell New Testament Therefore, the tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophecy is a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe. Worsley New Testament So that tongues are for a sign, not to believers but to unbelievers: but prophecy not to unbelievers but to those that believe. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Prophecy and Tongues…21It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.” 22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?… Cross References Tongues, then, are a sign, Isaiah 28:11-12 Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people / to whom He has said: “This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose.” But they would not listen. Acts 2:4-13 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. / Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. / And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. … Acts 10:44-46 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. / For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, not for believers, but for unbelievers. John 4:48 Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, / but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, Acts 28:25-28 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: / ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ … Prophecy, however, is for believers, Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 Do not treat prophecies with contempt, / but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Ephesians 4:11-13 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, / until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. not for unbelievers. 1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. John 8:43-47 Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message. / You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. / But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me! … 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness. Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; Deuteronomy 28:49 The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand, Acts 19:6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Joel 2:28-29 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Treasury of Scripture Why tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serves not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. for a. Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Acts 2:6-12,32-36 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language… not to. 1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, but for. 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Jump to Previous Believe Believers Faith Gift However Intended Languages Prophecy Prophesy Prophesying Prophet's Reason Rest Serveth Shows Sign Tongues Unbelievers Unbelieving Wherefore WordJump to Next Believe Believers Faith Gift However Intended Languages Prophecy Prophesy Prophesying Prophet's Reason Rest Serveth Shows Sign Tongues Unbelievers Unbelieving Wherefore Word1 Corinthians 14 1. Prophecy is commended,2. and preferred before speaking in tongues, 6. by a comparison drawn from musical instruments. 12. Both must be referred to edification, 22. as to their true and proper end. 26. The true use of each is taught, 27. and the abuse rebuked. 34. Women in the churches. Tongues, then, are a sign, Tongues publicly displayed the supernatural work of the Spirit, as at Pentecost when the apostles spoke languages they had not learned. Paul also connects them with God’s warning through foreign speech to Israel, where unfamiliar languages signaled judgment upon those who refused to hear God’s word. Isa 28:11-12 Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues,… not for believers, but for unbelievers. Their effect was especially directed toward those outside the gathered church, yet not always as a means of conversion. Uninterpreted tongues could confirm unbelief and judgment when hearers remained hardened, while their miraculous character could also draw attention to the message of Christ. Jhn 4:48 Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders,… Prophecy, however, is for believers, Prophecy communicated God’s revealed truth in a form the congregation could understand. It strengthened, instructed, encouraged, and corrected believers, building up the church rather than displaying a gift without explanation. Rom 12:6-8 We have different gifts according to the grace given us.… not for unbelievers. Prophecy was chiefly given for the spiritual benefit of God’s people. Yet when an unbeliever heard clear prophetic teaching, the truth could expose the condition of the heart and lead that person to acknowledge God’s presence among His people. 1Co 2:14 The natural man does not accept the things that… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth regarding the use of spiritual gifts. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and cultural influences, which included a mix of religious practices. 3. The Corinthian Church A Christian community struggling with issues of spiritual gifts, unity, and order in worship. 4. Unbelievers Those who do not yet have faith in Christ, for whom the gift of tongues serves as a sign. 5. Believers Members of the Christian faith, for whom prophecy is intended to edify and instruct. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual GiftsRecognize that spiritual gifts have specific purposes and are given by God to build up the church and reach the lost. Purpose of Tongues Tongues are primarily a sign for unbelievers, demonstrating the power and presence of God in a way that can lead to conviction and conversion. Role of Prophecy Prophecy is intended for the edification, encouragement, and comfort of believers, helping to strengthen the church. Order in Worship Emphasize the importance of orderly worship that prioritizes understanding and edification, ensuring that all spiritual gifts are used appropriately. Discernment and Testing Encourage believers to discern and test spiritual manifestations, ensuring they align with Scripture and edify the church. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:22?2. How does 1 Corinthians 14:22 define the purpose of tongues for unbelievers? 3. What role do prophecies play for believers according to 1 Corinthians 14:22? 4. How can we discern the appropriate use of tongues in our church today? 5. Connect 1 Corinthians 14:22 with Acts 2:4-11 regarding tongues and their purpose. 6. How should believers prioritize prophecy and tongues in their spiritual practices? 7. What does 1 Corinthians 14:22 mean by "tongues are a sign for unbelievers"? 8. How does 1 Corinthians 14:22 relate to the purpose of spiritual gifts? 9. Why are tongues considered a sign for unbelievers in 1 Corinthians 14:22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14? (22) Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe.--This is not an interpretation of the prophecy alluded to in the previous verse, but St. Paul now returns to the gift of "tongues" as existing in the Church, and introduces a thought regarding this gift suggested by the fact mentioned, viz., that in Israel unintelligible tongues, uttered in their hearing, were for a sign to unbelieving Jews. Tongues should not be exalted in estimation above prophecy--inasmuch as the function of the latter is really grander than that of the former. Tongues were useful to arrest the attention of unbelievers, and, if rightly used, to arouse their convictions; but prophecy is in the highest sense useful for believers.Verse 22. - Wherefore. In accordance with this illustration. Not to them that believe. Because their belief depends on other and far deeper grounds. Serveth. This word is wrongly supplied; it should be, is for a sign. Not for them that believe not. Because there is nothing necessarily startling in preaching. It might, indeed, produce conviction in the unbelieving (ver. 25), but it was not a special "sign" "The unbelieving" are those who used to drop in at the Christian services out of curiosity. Paul contrasts two Spirit-given gifts by their primary audience and purpose. Tongues operate as an external sign to startle unbelievers with God’s reality, while prophecy serves as an internal channel to strengthen believers through clear, understood speech. When exercised in love and order, both gifts honor Christ and accomplish exactly what Scripture declares. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Tongues,γλῶσσαι (glōssai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language. then, Ὥστε (Hōste) Conjunction Strong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore. are εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a sign, σημεῖόν (sēmeion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4592: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally. not οὐ (ou) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. for τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. believers, πιστεύουσιν (pisteuousin) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. for τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. unbelievers. ἀπίστοις (apistois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 571: (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing). Prophecy, προφητεία (prophēteia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 4394: Prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth. From prophetes; prediction. however, ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. [is] for τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. believers, πιστεύουσιν (pisteuousin) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. not οὐ (ou) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. for τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. unbelievers. ἀπίστοις (apistois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 571: (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing). Additonal Resources 1 Corinthians 14:22 Blue Letter Bible1 Corinthians 14:22 Bible Gateway 1 Corinthians 14:22 Bible.com 1 Corinthians 14:22 NIV |
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