1 Corinthians 14:9

New Testament · SCRIPTURE

Compare this verse across Bible translations. BLB includes New Testament text only (publisher draft).

BSB

Berean Standard Bible

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.

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KJV

King James Version

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.

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WEB

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.

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ASV

American Standard 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.

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BLB

Berean Literal Bible

So also you⁺, unless you⁺ give intelligible speech through the tongue, how will it be known what [is] being spoken? For you⁺ will be speaking into [the] air.

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READ IN CONTEXT · BSB

1 Corinthians 14

⁷ Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct?

⁸ Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle?

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.

¹¹ If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

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