What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:21? It is written in the Law Paul prefaces his quotation by anchoring it in “the Law,” a shorthand way of pointing to the authoritative Scriptures (John 10:34; Romans 3:19). By doing so, he shows that the principles he is about to illustrate regarding tongues in the Corinthian assembly are not new but flow from God’s timeless Word (2 Timothy 3:16). When believers gather, every practice—tongues included—must be measured by what is written, not by personal experience or novelty. Thus, the passage affirms both the sufficiency and the supremacy of Scripture in guiding worship. By strange tongues and foreign lips The phrase echoes Isaiah 28:11–12, where God warned rebellious Israel that foreign invaders would speak to them in languages they did not understand—a sign of coming judgment (Deuteronomy 28:49; Jeremiah 5:15). In Acts 2:4–12, God again used unlearned languages to grab the attention of a diverse crowd in Jerusalem, signaling both the gospel’s outreach and, to unbelieving Jews, the seriousness of rejecting Christ. For Corinth, Paul’s point is clear: tongues are not spiritual showpieces; they are signposts that can indicate either blessing (when interpreted and believed) or impending judgment (when dismissed). I will speak to this people The Lord’s persistence shines through. From the burning bush (Exodus 3:4), through the prophets (Hebrews 1:1), to His own Son (Hebrews 1:2), God has always chosen to speak. Even when He turns to “foreign lips,” His aim is still redemptive—He desires repentance and faith (Ezekiel 33:11). In the Corinthian setting, the gift of tongues is another way God “speaks to this people,” offering truth in a supernatural packaging that should stir awe and reflection rather than pride. But even then they will not listen to Me Here is the tragedy. Despite clear, even miraculous communication, hardened hearts can remain unmoved (Isaiah 6:9–10; Acts 28:26–28). Paul uses this sobering reality to caution the Corinthians: uninterpreted tongues may impress the speaker, yet they leave the hearer untouched, repeating ancient Israel’s refusal to listen. Therefore, prophecy—which conveys God’s message plainly—edifies the church, whereas uninterpreted tongues risk reinforcing unbelief (1 Corinthians 14:22–25). Says the Lord The final words underscore divine authority (Isaiah 1:2; Malachi 3:6). What follows is not Paul’s preference but God’s pronouncement. In any discussion about spiritual gifts, His voice must carry the decisive weight. Submission to that voice leads to orderly, edifying worship (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40), avoiding the chaos that plagued Corinth and ensuring that God, not human excitement, remains central. summary 1 Corinthians 14:21 reveals that tongues are a scripturally grounded sign: God may use unfamiliar languages to warn, woo, or judge. Yet even supernatural speech cannot guarantee a receptive heart. Paul cites this verse to remind the Corinthians—and us—that every gift must serve understanding and obedience to God’s authoritative Word. When the church exalts proclamation that people grasp, and humbly submits to Scripture, it honors the Lord who still speaks and invites all to listen. |
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