In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:21KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:21 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:21 says that God once warned His people, through what is called "the law," that He would speak to them using people who spoke different languages, but even then, they would not listen to Him. This verse points out that even when God uses unusual or surprising ways to get people's attention, some still refuse to hear Him.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, quoting from the Old Testament (Isaiah 28:11–12) to explain why speaking in different languages (tongues) is not always a sign of blessing. He reminds them that God sometimes uses foreign languages as a sign of judgment or to show that people are not listening to Him, not just as a spiritual gift.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:21

  • "law" (νόμος, nomos): This Greek word is often used to refer to the Jewish Scriptures, especially the first five books, but here Paul uses it more broadly to mean the Old Testament as a whole.
  • "tongues" (γλῶσσα, glōssa): This word means "languages" or "tongues." In this context, it refers to foreign languages, not just spiritual speech, highlighting that God can use any language to communicate.
  • "other" (ἕτερος, heteros): This word means "different" or "another of a different kind." Paul emphasizes that these are not the people's own familiar languages, but truly foreign ones.
  • "speak" (λαλέω, laleō): This verb means "to speak" or "to talk." The use here stresses that God is actively trying to communicate, even if the people do not understand or respond.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:21 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that speaking in tongues is always a positive spiritual experience; Paul shows that it can also be a sign of people not listening to God.
  • It connects Paul's teaching about spiritual gifts to the Old Testament, showing that God's ways of communicating have a long history and purpose.
  • The verse sets up Paul's argument that understanding is more important than impressive displays, encouraging the Corinthians to value clear communication in their worship.

Where else these words appear

“they” Greek G1522 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Acts 10:31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

“lips” Greek G5491 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
  • Romans 3:13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
  • Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

“this” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

“other” Greek G2087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Luke 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
  • Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.