There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and none is incapable of meaning.
Parallel translations
- WEB There are, it may be, so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them is without meaning.
- KJV There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
- BSB Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
- NKJV There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.
- NLT There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
There are many languages in the world, and each has meaning. Every genuine language conveys sense to those who know it.
Overview
Paul observes that the world is full of distinct languages, all of which carry meaning for their speakers. The point is that meaning depends on the hearer's understanding. A language unknown to the listener fails to communicate, which is precisely the problem with uninterpreted tongues in the gathered church.
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Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.
How 1 Corinthians 14:10 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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