1 Corinthians 14:21In the law it is written, "By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. Not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord."
The setting
Corinth, Greece, ~55 AD. Paul quotes Isaiah to show that speaking in foreign languages was historically a sign of God's judgment on unbelieving Israel, not a blessing for believers to flaunt.
The emotion here: scholarly pastor using heavy theology to make a practical point
The original word
heteroglōssois (ἑτερογλώσσοις) — foreign-tongued ones, people speaking different languages
Why it matters
When Assyrians conquered Israel in 722 BC, they spoke foreign languages as they destroyed the nation
Read with care
What most readers miss in 1 Corinthians 14:21
Paul is saying tongues without interpretation actually drives unbelievers away — the opposite of what the Corinthians intended
Common misconceptionPeople think this verse supports speaking in tongues, but Paul is warning that unintelligible speech pushes unbelievers away, just like in Isaiah's day.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 1 Corinthians 14:21
Bible Genome reading
1 Corinthians 14:21 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
1 Corinthians 14:21 comes from the book of 1 Corinthians, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Paul. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is prophetic. It belongs to the teaching genre of biblical literature. Key themes include prophecy, judgment. Notable phrases: men of strange languages; not even thus will they hear. This verse contains prophecy.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does 1 Corinthians 14:21 mean to you, today?
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