1 Corinthians 14:7 “Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, h…”

1 Corinthians 14:7

Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct?

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

World English Bible

Even lifeless things that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?

American Standard Version

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

Geneva Bible 1599

Moreouer things without life which giue a sounde, whether it be a pipe or an harpe, except they make a distinction in the soundes, how shall it be knowen what is piped or harped?

Darby Translation

Even lifeless things giving a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give not distinction to the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

Young's Literal Translation

yet the things without life giving sound — whether pipe or harp — if a difference in the sounds they may not give, how shall be known that which is piped or that which is harped?

Bible in Basic English

Even things without life, having a voice, such as a music-pipe or other instrument, if they do not give out different sounds, who may be certain what is being played?

.mt-body { max-height: none !important; -webkit-mask-image: none !important; mask-image: none !important; } .mt-bar { display: none !important; } .o-trans::after { display: block !important; }

Cross references

“things”

1 Corinthians 13:1

1 Corinthians 13:1 · BSB

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.

“except”

1 Corinthians 14:8 Numbers 10:2–10 Matthew 11:17 Luke 7:32

1 Corinthians 14:8 · BSB

Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle?

Numbers 10:2–10 · BSB

“Make two trumpets of hammered silver to be used for calling the congregation and for having the camps set out.

Matthew 11:17 · BSB

‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

Luke 7:32 · BSB

They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

6Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

8Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle?

Read 1 Corinthians 14