1 Corinthians 14:11 asv — If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be…

American Standard Version

"If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me. "

— 1 Corinthians 14:11, American Standard Version

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1 Corinthians 14:11 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Corinthians 14 — Context

8

For if the trumpet give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war?

9

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.

10

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no kind is without signification.

11

If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.

12

So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.

13

Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

14

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

1 Corinthians 14:11 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 14:11 say?
1 Corinthians 14:11 in the American Standard Version reads: “If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me. ”
Where is 1 Corinthians 14:11 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 14:11 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 11.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 55.
What is the book of 1 Corinthians about?
Paul writes to a gifted but fractured church wrestling with divisions, sexual sin, lawsuits, marriage questions, food offered to idols, and disorder in worship. Through every issue he points back to the cross, the Spirit, and the resurrection — and gives us the church's greatest chapter on love.
What are the major themes of 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians explores themes including Unity, Cross, Spiritual Gifts, Love, Resurrection. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Corinthians 14:11.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 14:11 in?
1 Corinthians 14:11 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Corinthians 14:11?
1 Corinthians 14:11 reads (ASV): “If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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