1 Corinthians 14:10

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of undistinguishable sound.

1 Corinthians 14:10 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:10

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices
(anvl) , "tongues", or "languages", as the Syriac version renders it; that is, as many as there are nations in the world; there may be seventy of them, as the Jews say there were at the confusion of languages at Babel; there may be more or less:

and none of them is without signification:
every language, and every word in a language, has a meaning in it, an idea annexed to it, which it conveys to him that understands it, and that cannot be done without a voice ordinarily speaking.

1 Corinthians 14:10 In-Context

8 For also, if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for war?

9 Thus also *ye* with the tongue, unless ye give a distinct speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking to the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of undistinguishable sound.

11 If therefore I do not know the power of the sound, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks a barbarian for me.

12 Thus *ye* also, since ye are desirous of spirits, seek that ye may abound for the edification of the assembly.