There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:10KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:10 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:10 says that there are many different kinds of voices or languages in the world, and every one of them has meaning or significance. The verse points out that no language or way of speaking is meaningless; each one communicates something.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth about the use of spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues, during their gatherings. He uses this statement to remind them that every language has its own value and purpose, so communication should be clear and understandable to others. This sets up his argument that speaking in a way others can understand is important for building up the church.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:10

  • "φωνῶν" (phōnōn): This word means "voices" or "sounds," but in this context, it is often understood as "languages" or "speech." Paul is talking about the variety of ways people communicate.
  • "γένη" (genē): This word means "kinds" or "types." Paul is emphasizing the diversity of voices or languages in the world.
  • "σημαίνουσα" (sēmainousa): This word means "signifying" or "having meaning." Paul’s point is that every voice or language carries meaning; none are just empty noise.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:10 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that speaking in tongues or any language is not just random noise; every language has meaning and purpose.
  • Paul’s emphasis on meaningful communication helps explain why he encourages the Corinthians to speak in ways that others can understand, especially in a group setting.
  • The verse connects to the larger discussion in 1 Corinthians 14 about order and clarity in worship, showing that understanding is key to building up the community.

Where else these words appear

“signification” Greek G880 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
  • 1 Corinthians 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
  • 2 Peter 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

“be” Greek G5177 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
  • 1 Corinthians 16:6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

“many” Greek G5118 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
  • Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

“kinds” Greek G1085 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: