The word prophesy is used here, as so largely in Scripture, not in the limited sense of foretelling the future, but of pouring forth heaven-given speech. There was a strong tendency at Corinth to magnify the use of tongues; that is, forms of utterance which the assembly could not understand. The Apostle rebukes this, and says that it is far better to be able to speak to the edification of the hearers. Indeed, he directs that speech in an unknown tongue should be withheld, unless someone were present who could explain and interpret it.
The gift of tongues was a special sign intended for the convincing of that age, but it was not a necessary accompaniment of the filling of the Holy Spirit, and is certainly of inferior value. A mere blare of a trumpet, without note or modulation, conveys no meaning to the waiting ranks of soldiers; and the mere sound of an unknown tongue startles without teaching. Do not be content merely to make a sound; say something. Seek to do actual service to others is one of the three directions suggested in 1 Corinthians 14:3. Edification is the building up of the soul in truth. Comfort is for the distressed and weary. Consolation is the heartening of the soul to fresh enterprise. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 14
1Prophecy is commended, 2and preferred before speaking in tongues, 6by a comparison drawn from musical instruments 12Both must be referred to edification, 22as to their true and proper end 26The true use of each is taught, 27and the abuse rebuked 34Women in the churches
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:8
An uncertain voice [αδηλον πωνην] Old adjective In N.T. only here and Luke 11:44. Military trumpet (σαλπιγχ salpigx) is louder than pipe or harp. [source]
Shall prepare himself [παρασκευασεται] Direct middle future indicative of παρασκευαζω paraskeuazō old verb, in N.T. only here, 2 Corinthians 9:2.; Acts 10:10. From παρα σκευη paraskeuē (preparation). [source]
The trumpet [σάλπιγξ] Properly, a war-trumpet. [source]
Sound [φωνὴν] Rev., much better, voice, preserving the distinction between the mere sound of the trumpet and the modulated notes. The case might be illustrated by the bugle calls or points by which military commands are issued, as distinguished from the mere blare of the trumpet. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 14:8
Luke 11:44Tombs which appear not [τὰ μνημεῖα τὰ ἄδηλα] Lit., the tombs, the unseen ones. The word ἄδηλος , unapparent, occurs only here and 1 Corinthians 14:8, of the trumpet giving an uncertain sound. [source]
Luke 11:44The tombs which appear not [τα μνηνεια τα αδηλα] These hidden graves would give ceremonial defilement for seven days (Numbers 19:16). Hence they were usually whitewashed as a warning. So in Matthew 23:27 the Pharisees are called “whited sepulchres.” Men do not know how rotten they are. The word αδηλος adēlos (α a privative and δηλος dēlos apparent or plain) occurs in the N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 14:8, though an old and common word. [source]
Acts 2:6When this sound was heard [γενομενης της πωνης ταυτης] Genitive absolute with aorist middle participle. Note πωνη phōnē this time, not ηχο ēcho as in Acts 2:1. Πωνη Phōnē originally meant sound as of the wind (John 3:8) or an instrument (1 Corinthians 14:7,1 Corinthians 14:8,1 Corinthians 14:10), then voice of men. The meaning seems to be that the excited “other tongues” of Acts 2:4 were so loud that the noise drew the crowd together. The house where the 120 were may have been (Hackett) on one of the avenues leading to the temple. [source]
1 Corinthians 9:26Uncertainly [ἀδήλως] Only here in the New Testament. The kindred adjective ἄδηλος notmanifest, occurs Luke 11:44(see note) and 1 Corinthians 14:8. Compare also ἀδηλότης uncertainty 1 Timothy 6:17. He runs with a clear perception of his object, and of the true manner and result of his striving. [source]
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:8
Old adjective In N.T. only here and Luke 11:44. Military trumpet (σαλπιγχ salpigx) is louder than pipe or harp. [source]
Direct middle future indicative of παρασκευαζω paraskeuazō old verb, in N.T. only here, 2 Corinthians 9:2.; Acts 10:10. From παρα σκευη paraskeuē (preparation). [source]
Properly, a war-trumpet. [source]
Rev., much better, voice, preserving the distinction between the mere sound of the trumpet and the modulated notes. The case might be illustrated by the bugle calls or points by which military commands are issued, as distinguished from the mere blare of the trumpet. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 14:8
Lit., the tombs, the unseen ones. The word ἄδηλος , unapparent, occurs only here and 1 Corinthians 14:8, of the trumpet giving an uncertain sound. [source]
These hidden graves would give ceremonial defilement for seven days (Numbers 19:16). Hence they were usually whitewashed as a warning. So in Matthew 23:27 the Pharisees are called “whited sepulchres.” Men do not know how rotten they are. The word αδηλος adēlos (α a privative and δηλος dēlos apparent or plain) occurs in the N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 14:8, though an old and common word. [source]
Rev., voice. Used both of articulate and inarticulate utterances, as of the words from heaven at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration (Matthew 3:17; 2 Peter 1:17, 2 Peter 1:18); of the trumpet (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 14:8), and of inanimate things in general (1 Corinthians 14:17). John the Baptist calls himself φωνή , a voice, and the word is used of the wind, as here, in Acts 2:6. Of thunder, often in the Revelation (Revelation 6:1; Revelation 14:2, etc.). [source]
Genitive absolute with aorist middle participle. Note πωνη phōnē this time, not ηχο ēcho as in Acts 2:1. Πωνη Phōnē originally meant sound as of the wind (John 3:8) or an instrument (1 Corinthians 14:7, 1 Corinthians 14:8, 1 Corinthians 14:10), then voice of men. The meaning seems to be that the excited “other tongues” of Acts 2:4 were so loud that the noise drew the crowd together. The house where the 120 were may have been (Hackett) on one of the avenues leading to the temple. [source]
Only here in the New Testament. The kindred adjective ἄδηλος notmanifest, occurs Luke 11:44(see note) and 1 Corinthians 14:8. Compare also ἀδηλότης uncertainty 1 Timothy 6:17. He runs with a clear perception of his object, and of the true manner and result of his striving. [source]
Cf. Ezekiel 26:13. Or “sound” as in 1 Corinthians 14:8 with σαλπιγχ salpigx (trumpet). For this song of judgment see Jeremiah 25:10. [source]