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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/14-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/46_1Co_14_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 14:7 - Prophecy and Tongues" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/14-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/14-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:6">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 14:7 <a href="/1_corinthians/14-8.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New International Version</a> Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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? <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Even lifeless things giving a sound, whether the flute or harp, unless they give distinction to the sounds, how will it be known what is being piped or being harped? <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">King James Bible</a> And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New King James Version</a> Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Yet even lifeless instruments, whether flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Yet even lifeless things, whether flute or harp, when producing a sound, if they do not produce distinct [musical] tones, how will anyone [listening] know what is piped or played? <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Even lifeless instruments that produce sounds—whether flute or harp —if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized? <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Even inanimate things that produce sounds—whether flute or harp—if they don&#8217t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized? <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If all musical instruments sounded alike, how would you know the difference between a flute and a harp? <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Musical instruments like the flute or harp produce sounds. If there is no difference in the notes, how can a person tell what tune is being played? <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> Take such lifeless musical instruments as the flute or the harp--how will anyone know the tune that is being played unless the notes are sounded distinctly? <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> In the same way, lifeless instruments like the flute or harp produce sounds. But if there's no difference in the notes, how can a person tell what tune is being played? <a href="/net/1_corinthians/14.htm">NET Bible</a> It is similar for lifeless things that make a sound, like a flute or harp. Unless they make a distinction in the notes, how can what is played on the flute or harp be understood? <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they did not give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped? <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Even inanimate things--flutes or harps, for instance--when yielding a sound, if they make no distinction in the notes, how shall the tune which is played on the flute or the harp be known?<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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? <a href="/web/1_corinthians/14.htm">World English Bible</a> Even lifeless things that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Yet the things without life giving sound—whether pipe or harp—if they may not give a difference in the sounds, how will be known that which is piped or that which is harped? <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Even lifeless things giving a sound, whether the flute or harp, unless they give distinction to the sounds, how will it be known what is being piped or being harped? <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> yet the things without life giving sound -- whether pipe or harp -- if a difference in the sounds they may not give, how shall be known that which is piped or that which is harped? <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> As inanimate things giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if it give not a distinction to sounds, how shall the piping or harping be known?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Even things without life that give sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction of sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped ? <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Even those things that are without a soul can make sounds, whether it is a wind or a stringed instrument. But unless they present a distinction within the sounds, how will it be known which is from the pipe and which is from the string? <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Likewise, if inanimate things that produce sound, such as flute or harp, do not give out the tones distinctly, how will what is being played on flute or harp be recognized? <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> It is the same way with lifeless instruments that produce sound, such as the flute or the harp. If they do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is being played?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For even when things without life, giving sound, whether flute or harp, except they make a distinction between one tone and another, how shall it be known what is sung or played? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For even inanimate things which give sound, whether a flute or harp, if they make no distinction between one tone and another, how will anything that is played or anything that is harped be known?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And even lifeless instruments, which produce sound, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the notes, how shall that which is piped or harped be known? <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Nevertheless things without life, giving forth a voice, whether pipe or harp, if it may not give a distinction to the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped, or what is harped? <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> In like manner things inanimate, giving sound, whether the pipe, or the harp, unless they express a distinction in their tones, how shall it be known what is piped, or what is harped? <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a> And even inanimate instruments of sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have a distinct variety of notes, how can they express any significant tune? <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Even inanimate things--flutes or harps, for instance--when yielding a sound, if they make no distinction in the notes, how shall the tune which is played on the flute or the harp be known? <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give no distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> As inanimate things which give a found, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall what is piped or harped be understood? <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=2934" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Prophecy and Tongues</a> …6Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7<a href="/greek/3676.htm" title="3676: homōs (Conj) -- Yet, nevertheless, even. Adverb from the base of homou; at the same time, i.e. notwithstanding, yet still.">Even in the case of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/895.htm" title="895: apsycha (Adj-NNP) -- Lifeless, inanimate. Lifeless, i.e. Inanimate.">lifeless</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: didonta (V-PPA-NNP) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">instruments,</a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnēn (N-AFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language."></a> <a href="/greek/1535.htm" title="1535: eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">such as</a> <a href="/greek/836.htm" title="836: aulos (N-NMS) -- A flute, pipe. From the same as aer; a flute.">the flute</a> <a href="/greek/1535.htm" title="1535: eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">or</a> <a href="/greek/2788.htm" title="2788: kithara (N-NFS) -- A harp, lyre. Of uncertain affinity; a lyre.">harp,</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">how</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: gnōsthēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">will anyone recognize</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the tune</a> <a href="/greek/832.htm" title="832: auloumenon (V-PPM/P-NNS) -- To play the flute, pipe. From aulos; to play the flute."></a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2789.htm" title="2789: kitharizomenon (V-PPM/P-NNS) -- Intrans. and trans: I play on the harp, I harp, with acc. of the tune. From kithara; to play on a lyre."></a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dō (V-ASA-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">they are playing</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">unless</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5353.htm" title="5353: phthongois (N-DMP) -- A sound. From phtheggomai; utterance, i.e. A musical note.">notes</a> <a href="/greek/1293.htm" title="1293: diastolēn (N-AFS) -- Distinction, difference, separation. From diastellomai; a variation.">are distinct?</a> 8Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a> Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. <a href="/matthew/11-15.htm">Matthew 11:15</a> He who has ears, let him hear. <a href="/revelation/2-7.htm">Revelation 2:7</a> He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God. <a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27</a> My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11</a> We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. <a href="/acts/2-6.htm">Acts 2:6</a> And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. <a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Ephesians 5:19</a> Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a> Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a> but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/isaiah/28-10.htm">Isaiah 28:10</a> For they hear: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there.” <a href="/ezekiel/33-32.htm">Ezekiel 33:32</a> Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice. <a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4</a> I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp: <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2</a> I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning, <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?things.<a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1</a> Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.except.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-8.htm">1 Corinthians 14:8</a> For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?<a href="/numbers/10-2.htm">Numbers 10:2-10</a> Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps… <a href="/matthew/11-17.htm">Matthew 11:17</a> And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.sounds.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/12-20.htm">Different</a> <a href="/john/20-7.htm">Distinct</a> <a href="/romans/10-12.htm">Distinction</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Either</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Except</a> <a href="/luke/7-33.htm">Flute</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-36.htm">Flutes</a> <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Harps</a> <a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Instance</a> <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/romans/6-13.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Life</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-18.htm">Lifeless</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">Notes</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-8.htm">Pipe</a> <a href="/luke/7-32.htm">Piped</a> <a href="/luke/7-33.htm">Played</a> <a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/john/15-16.htm">Producing</a> <a href="/romans/12-7.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/luke/15-25.htm">Sounds</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Tones</a> <a href="/psalms/88-1.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-2.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-8.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/luke/23-24.htm">Yielding</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-10.htm">Different</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-9.htm">Distinct</a> <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Distinction</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">Either</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-9.htm">Except</a> <a href="/revelation/18-22.htm">Flute</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-40.htm">Flutes</a> <a href="/revelation/5-8.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/revelation/5-8.htm">Harps</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-6.htm">Instance</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-21.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-14.htm">Lifeless</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">Notes</a> <a href="/genesis/4-21.htm">Pipe</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-40.htm">Piped</a> <a href="/galatians/2-13.htm">Played</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-9.htm">Producing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-8.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-10.htm">Sounds</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Tones</a> <a href="/psalms/9-1.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-9.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-8.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-11.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Yielding</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 14</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Prophecy is commended,</a> 2. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">and preferred before speaking in tongues,</a> 6. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.</a> 12. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Both must be referred to edification,</a> 22. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">as to their true and proper end.</a> 26. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">The true use of each is taught,</a> 27. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">and the abuse rebuked.</a> 34. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">Women in the churches.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Even in the case of lifeless instruments, This phrase introduces the analogy of musical instruments to illustrate the importance of clarity in communication. In the Greco-Roman world, music was a significant part of cultural and religious life, often used in worship and public events. Instruments like the flute and harp were common in both Jewish and Gentile contexts. The use of "lifeless" emphasizes that these instruments, though inanimate, can convey meaning when played correctly, paralleling the need for intelligibility in spiritual gifts.such as the flute or harp, The flute and harp were well-known instruments in ancient times. The flute, often made from reeds or wood, was used in various ceremonies and celebrations. The harp, a stringed instrument, was associated with worship and prophecy in the Old Testament, as seen in the life of David (<a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23</a>). These instruments symbolize the diversity of gifts within the church, each with its unique role and function.how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing This question underscores the necessity of clarity and order in the use of spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of tongues, which is the broader context of this chapter. Just as a tune must be recognizable to be appreciated, so must spiritual messages be understandable to edify the church. This reflects the principle found in <a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">1 Corinthians 14:33</a>, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace."unless the notes are distinct? Distinct notes are essential for a melody to be understood and appreciated. This highlights the importance of discernment and interpretation in the exercise of spiritual gifts. The distinctness of notes parallels the need for clear communication in the church, ensuring that messages are edifying and comprehensible. This principle is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8</a>, where the law was read clearly and explained so that the people could understand.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance on spiritual gifts and orderly worship. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and cultural influences, where the early Christian church faced challenges of unity and order. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of spiritual gifts, particularly the use of tongues and prophecy in worship.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_clarity_in_communication.htm">The Importance of Clarity in Communication</a> Just as musical instruments must produce distinct notes to convey a melody, our communication, especially in spiritual matters, should be clear and understandable to edify others. <a href="/topical/o/order_in_worship.htm">Order in Worship</a> Paul emphasizes the need for order and intelligibility in worship services, ensuring that all participants can benefit and be built up in their faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_spiritual_gifts.htm">The Role of Spiritual Gifts</a> Spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church. They should be exercised in a way that promotes understanding and unity among believers. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_understanding.htm">The Value of Understanding</a> Understanding is crucial in the exercise of spiritual gifts. Without it, the purpose of edification is lost, much like indistinct notes from an instrument fail to produce a recognizable tune. <a href="/topical/p/pursuing_love_and_edification.htm">Pursuing Love and Edification</a> In all things, love should be the guiding principle, ensuring that our actions and words contribute to the growth and encouragement of others in the faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14</a> <a href="/q/what_are_worship_styles.htm">What are the different styles of worship?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_1_tim_5_14_advise_widows_to_remarry.htm">Why does 1 Timothy 5:14 instruct younger widows to remarry, seemingly contradicting Paul's advice to remain single in other passages like 1 Corinthians 7:8?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_psalm_150_instruments'_use.htm">Is there any historical or archeological evidence supporting the widespread use of the instruments listed in Psalm 150:3-5 at the time it was written?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_prophetic_worship.htm">What defines prophetic worship in religious practices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) And even things without life.--The pipe and harp were the best-known instruments, and the principle just laid down of the inutility of sounds unless they be distinctive is illustrated by reference to them. Whether it was a harp or a pipe which was being played you could not know unless each gives a distinct sound of its own. The point here is not, as the English seems to suggest, that there must be a difference in tune, so as know what is being piped or harped--that illustration comes in in the next verse--but that each instrument has its own peculiar sound.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - Even things without life giving sound. Even musical instruments - flute or harp - dead instruments as they are, must be so played as to keep up the distinction of intervals, without which the melody is ruined and the tune is unrecognizable. Much more is this the ease with the human voice. "How sour sweet music is, When time is broke and no proportion kept!" The indiscriminate use of the tongue is here compared to the dissonance of jarring and unmodulated instrumental sounds, In harmony there must be due sequence and intervals of sound. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Even in the case of ὅμως (homōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3676.htm">Strong's 3676: </a> Yet, nevertheless, even. Adverb from the base of homou; at the same time, i.e. notwithstanding, yet still. lifeless ἄψυχα (apsycha) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_895.htm">Strong's 895: </a> Lifeless, inanimate. Lifeless, i.e. Inanimate. instruments, διδόντα (didonta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. such as εἴτε (eite) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> And if, whether. From ei and te; if too. [the] flute αὐλὸς (aulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_836.htm">Strong's 836: </a> A flute, pipe. From the same as aer; a flute. or εἴτε (eite) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> And if, whether. From ei and te; if too. harp, κιθάρα (kithara) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2788.htm">Strong's 2788: </a> A harp, lyre. Of uncertain affinity; a lyre. how πῶς (pōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much! will [anyone] recognize γνωσθήσεται (gnōsthēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. [the tune] τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. they are playing δῷ (dō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. unless ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. notes φθόγγοις (phthongois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5353.htm">Strong's 5353: </a> A sound. From phtheggomai; utterance, i.e. A musical note. are distinct? διαστολὴν (diastolēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1293.htm">Strong's 1293: </a> Distinction, difference, separation. From diastellomai; a variation. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:7 Even things without life giving a voice (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>