1 Corinthians 14:9 cpdv — So it is with you also, for unless you utter with the tongue in plain speech, how will it be known what is said? For th…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"So it is with you also, for unless you utter with the tongue in plain speech, how will it be known what is said? For then you would be speaking into the air. "

— 1 Corinthians 14:9, Catholic Public Domain Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Corinthians 14:9 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

1 Corinthians 14 — Context

6

But now, brothers, if I were to come to you speaking in tongues, how would it benefit you, unless instead I speak to you in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in doctrine?

7

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?

8

For example, if the trumpet made an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for battle?

9

So it is with you also, for unless you utter with the tongue in plain speech, how will it be known what is said? For then you would be speaking into the air.

10

Consider that there are so many different kinds of languages in this world, and yet none is without a voice.

11

Therefore, if I do not understand the nature of the voice, then I shall be like a foreigner to the one with whom I am speaking; and he who is speaking will be like a foreigner to me.

12

So it is with you also. And since you are zealous for what is spiritual, seek the edification of the Church, so that you may abound.

1 Corinthians 14:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 14:9 say?
1 Corinthians 14:9 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “So it is with you also, for unless you utter with the tongue in plain speech, how will it be known what is said? For then you would be speaking into the air. ”
Where is 1 Corinthians 14:9 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 14:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 9.
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 14:9.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 14:9 in?
1 Corinthians 14:9 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 14:9?
1 Corinthians 14:9 reads (CPDV): “So it is with you also, for unless you utter with the tongue in plain speech, how will it be known what is said? For then you would be speaking into the air. ” 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