1 Corinthians 14:7

7 For those things that be without soul, and giveth voices, either pipe, either harp, but those give distinction of soundings, how shall it be known that that is sung, either that that is trumpeted. [+Nevertheless those things that be without soul, or life, giving voices, either pipe, or harp, but if they shall give distinction of soundings, how shall it be known, that is sung, or that that is harped.]

1 Corinthians 14:7 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:7

And even things without life giving sound
He instances in things inanimate, that have neither reason, sense, nor life, in musical instruments, and these of various sorts:

whether pipe or harp;
wind music, or hand music; either that which is blown with the breath, or pressed or stricken with the hand:

except they give a distinction in the sounds;
or "tunes", so as one may be discerned from another; as that this is such a musical note, and that is another:

how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
what tune is played; such an use of instruments would be a mere jargon, and not music, and so yield no pleasure to the ear, or mind; and just the like must speaking in an unknown tongue be, to one that understands it not.

1 Corinthians 14:7 In-Context

5 And I will, that all ye speak in tongues, but more that ye prophesy. For he that prophesieth, is more than he that speaketh in languages; but peradventure he expound, that the church take edification. [+Forsooth I will you all to speak in tongues, but more that ye prophesy. For why he that prophesieth, is more than he that speaketh with tongues, or languages; but peradventure he interpret, or declare, that the church take edification.]

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you, and speak in tongues, what shall I profit to you, but if I speak to you either in revelation, either in science, either in prophecy, either in teaching? [+Now forsooth, brethren, if I come to you, speaking with tongues, what shall I profit/what shall it profit to you, but if I shall speak to you either in revelation, or in science, or in prophecy, or in teaching?]

7 For those things that be without soul, and giveth voices, either pipe, either harp, but those give distinction of soundings, how shall it be known that that is sung, either that that is trumpeted. [+Nevertheless those things that be without soul, or life, giving voices, either pipe, or harp, but if they shall give distinction of soundings, how shall it be known, that is sung, or that that is harped.]

8 For if a trumpet give an uncertain sound [For why if the trump give uncertain voice], who shall make himself ready to battle?

9 So [and] but ye give an open word by tongue, how shall that that is said be known? For ye shall be speaking in vain [+For ye shall be speaking in the air/Soothly ye shall be speaking into the airs, or firmament,].