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.