1 Corinthians 14:9
<< 1 Corinthians 14:9 >>
New International Version (©1984)
So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.

International Standard Version (©2008)
In the same way, unless you speak an intelligible message with your language, how will anyone know what is being said? You'll be talking into the air!

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
In the same way, if you don't speak in a way that can be understood, how will anyone know what you're saying? You will be talking into thin air.

King James Bible
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

American King James Version
So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air.

American Standard Version
So also ye, unless ye utter by the tongue speech easy to understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking into the air.

Bible in Basic English
So if you, in using a strange tongue, say words which have no sense, how will anyone take in what you are saying? for you will be talking to the air.

Douay-Rheims Bible
So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue plain speech, how shall it be known what is said ? For you shall be speaking into the air.

Darby Bible Translation
Thus also ye with the tongue, unless ye give a distinct speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking to the air.

English Revised Version
So also ye, unless ye utter by the tongue speech easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking into the air.

Webster's Bible Translation
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will speak into the air.

Weymouth New Testament
And so with you; if with the living voice you fail to utter intelligible words, how will people know what you are saying? You will be talking to the winds.

World English Bible
So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air.

Young's Literal Translation
so also ye, if through the tongue, speech easily understood ye may not give -- how shall that which is spoken be known? for ye shall be speaking to air.

Geneva Study Bible

So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words {f} easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

(f) That fitly utter the matter itself.

People's New Testament

14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue, etc. It is only speech to the air, unless there is the distinction of intelligible words.

Wesley's Notes

14:9 Unless ye utter by the tongue - Which is miraculously given you. Words easy to be understood - By your hearers. Ye will speak to the air - A proverbial expression. Will utterly lose your labour.

King James Translators' Notes

easy...: Gr. significant

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9. So . ye-who have life; as opposed to "things without life" (1Co 14:7).

by the tongue-the language which ye speak in.

ye shall speak-Ye will be speaking into the air, that is, in vain (1Co 9:26).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

14:6-14 Even an apostle could not edify, unless he spoke so as to be understood by his hearers. To speak words that have no meaning to those who hear them, is but speaking into the air. That cannot answer the end of speaking, which has no meaning; in this case, speaker and hearers are barbarians to each other. All religious services should be so performed in Christian assemblies, that all may join in, and profit by them. Language plain and easy to be understood, is the most proper for public worship, and other religious exercises. Every true follower of Christ will rather desire to do good to others, than to get a name for learning or fine speaking.


1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; (NASB ©1995)

Air Clear Distinct Easy Except Fail Intelligible Likewise Sense Speak Speaking Speech Strange Talking Tongue Understand Understood Unless Using Utter Uttered Voice Winds Words Yourselves


So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

easy. Gr. significant. 19

for. 9:26

Bible Gateway: 1 Corinthians Chapter 14 Verse 9 NIV ESV NKJV NLT KJV Message Amplified

Alphabetical: air also anyone are be by clear For how intelligible into is it just know known saying So speak speaking speech spoken that the tongue Unless utter what will with words you your

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