1 Corinthians 14:7 web — Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how wo…

World English Bible

"Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?"

— 1 Corinthians 14:7, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Corinthians 14:7 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Corinthians 14 — Context

4

He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly.

5

Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.

6

But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?

7

Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?

8

For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war?

9

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.

10

There are, it may be, so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them is without meaning.

1 Corinthians 14:7 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 14:7 say?
1 Corinthians 14:7 in the World English Bible reads: “Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?”
Where is 1 Corinthians 14:7 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 14:7 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 7.
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 14:7.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 14:7 in?
1 Corinthians 14:7 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 14:7?
1 Corinthians 14:7 reads (WEB): “Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2