What does 1 Corinthians 14:21 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 14:21 quotes part of Isaiah 28:11-12, where God says he will speak to the people of Israel through foreign tongues as a sign of judgement for their unfaithfulness.

In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul uses this Old Testament reference to address the Corinthian church's misuse of the gift of speaking in tongues (glossolalia).

He highlights the fact that speaking in tongues is a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is for believers.

The verse conveys the idea that, although God used diverse languages to reach out to His people, they still would not listen.

Historical Context

The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written by Paul around 53-54 AD to the church in Corinth.

Corinth was a culturally diverse city with a mixture of ethnic backgrounds, which meant that many languages were spoken there.

The early Church had the spiritual gift of tongues, which many in Corinth were using to showcase their spirituality rather than edify the church.

Paul wrote this epistle to address various issues in the church, including the improper use of this spiritual gift.

Theological Insights

Interpretations of this verse vary among theological viewpoints:

• Pentecostal and Charismatic view: This tradition emphasizes the spiritual gift of tongues as a legitimate manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

They see this reference as a validation of speaking in tongues as a divine sign, although agreeing with Paul that it should edify the church and be orderly.

• Cessationist view: Cessationists argue that the gift of tongues ceased with the apostolic age.

They interpret this verse as a historical account, not a prescriptive practice for the modern church.

• Reformed view: Many from the Reformed tradition may take a middle ground, acknowledging that while God can give any gift at any time, the primary purpose of the gifts is for the building up of the body of Christ, which this verse supports.

Practical Applications

This verse reminds the modern reader of the importance of clear communication in the church.

It suggests prioritizing edification over personal spiritual experiences when gathered in worship. It's a call to focus on understanding and clarity, ensuring that whatever is spoken in a communal context serves to build up the faith of others.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 28:11-12 (KJV): "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear."

• 1 Corinthians 14:22 (KJV): "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."
• Acts 2:4-11 (KJV): Describes the event of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in other tongues.
• Mark 16:17 (KJV): "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"

Language Study

• "With men of other tongues": The Greek phrase used is "δι' ἐσχάτων γλωσσῶν τῶν ἀνθρώπων" (di’ eschatōn glōssōn tōn anthrōpōn) which can be literally translated as "through various languages of men."
• "and other lips": The term "ἑτέροις χείλεσιν" (heterois cheilesin) implies "with different lips," indicating the act of speaking through people not of the common group.
• "will I speak": The future tense "λαλήσω" (lalēsō) shows God's intent to communicate.
• "unto this people": "τοῦτον τὸν λαόν" (touton ton laon) refers to a specific group, in this case, the nation of Israel in the Isaiah context, and the church in Corinth in Paul's context.
• "will they not hear me": The negative "οὐκ εἰσακούσονται" (ouk eisakousontai) implies a refusal to heed or listen.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of ancient Israel, speaking in foreign tongues would be seen as a clear sign of invasion or occupation, something that signified subjugation and defeat.

Spiritually, it was also a sign of God's judgement.

Comparing this to other ancient religions, the use of language was often seen as a divine gift, and the confusion of language was a sign of divine displeasure, such as in the tale of the Tower of Babel in Genesis.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the phenomenon of speaking in tongues can be studied under the field of linguistics and neurology. Glossolalia has been subject to neurological studies to understand brain activity during the event.

However, there's a clear distinction between studied linguistic behavior and the theological interpretations of spiritual phenomena.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries provide insight into this verse:

• Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary posits that speaking in tongues was an impressive sign that could potentially convince unbelievers, but it would not benefit those who didn't understand the language.

• Barnes' Notes on the Bible notes that while the power to speak in foreign languages was among the most striking gifts of the Holy Spirit, its purpose was to convince unbelievers, as well as a marker of judgement to the Jews.

• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the verse in the light of the Corinthian's misuse of tongues, emphasizing the need for intelligible speech in the church which was meant to encourage and instruct believers.