What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:11? If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language Paul is spelling out the practical problem of unintelligible speech in gathered worship. • When words are not understood, they cannot instruct, encourage, or convict (1 Corinthians 14:6–9). • The whole point of spiritual gifts is to build up the body (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:12). If the meaning is hidden, that purpose is blocked. • God’s pattern has always favored clear communication—think of Nehemiah’s priests who “read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8). • Contrast this with Genesis 11:7, where God confused language to scatter the proud; lack of mutual understanding still scatters rather than gathers. I am a foreigner to the speaker When understanding is lost, fellowship is immediately hindered. • “Two cannot walk together unless they are agreed” (Amos 3:3). Agreement begins with comprehensible words. • Even with sincere hearts, believers can feel like strangers if they cannot share truth intelligibly. Acts 2 shows the opposite: the Spirit enabled languages “each one heard them speaking in his own language” (Acts 2:6), knitting listeners together. • Paul’s aim is unity in worship: “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Corinthians 14:26). If I remain a “foreigner,” edification stalls. and he is a foreigner to me The barrier goes both ways; misunderstanding is mutual. • Love “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5). Speaking in a way others grasp is a tangible act of love. • Mutual foreignness nullifies shared praise—compare Psalm 34:3, “Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.” Togetherness requires clarity. • Romans 14:19 urges believers to “pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Unintelligible speech frustrates that pursuit. summary Paul’s point in 1 Corinthians 14:11 is simple and pastoral: words no one understands turn brothers and sisters into strangers. Spiritual gifts, especially speech gifts, must serve love and mutual building up. Clarity fosters unity; obscurity breeds distance. Therefore, speak so others grasp God’s truth, and the whole church will be strengthened. |
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