1 Corinthians 14:11 net — If then I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.

NET Bible

"If then I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me."

— 1 Corinthians 14:11, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

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1 Corinthians 14:11 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Corinthians 14 — Context

8

If, for example, the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will get ready for battle?

9

It is the same for you. If you do not speak clearly with your tongue, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air.

10

There are probably many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning.

11

If then I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.

12

It is the same with you. Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, seek to abound in order to strengthen the church.

13

So then, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.

14

If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive.

1 Corinthians 14:11 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 14:11 say?
1 Corinthians 14:11 in the NET Bible reads: “If then I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to 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 (NET): “If then I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to 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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