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Read the Bible
George Lamsa Translation
1 Corinthians 14:7
For even when things without life, giving sound, whether flute or harp, except they make a distinction between one tone and another, how shall it be known what is sung or played?
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Concordances:
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Christian Standard Bible®
Even lifeless instruments that produce sounds—whether flute or harp—if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized?
Even lifeless instruments that produce sounds—whether flute or harp—if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized?
King James Version (1611)
And euen things without life giuing sound, whether pipe or harpe, except they giue a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be knowen what is piped or harped?
And euen things without life giuing sound, whether pipe or harpe, except they giue a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be knowen what is piped or harped?
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?
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?
English Standard Version
If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played?
If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played?
New American Standard Bible
Yet even lifeless instruments, whether flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp?
Yet even lifeless instruments, whether flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp?
New Century Version
It is the same as with lifeless things that make sounds—like a flute or a harp. If they do not make clear musical notes, you will not know what is being played.
It is the same as with lifeless things that make sounds—like a flute or a harp. If they do not make clear musical notes, you will not know what is being played.
Amplified Bible
Yet even lifeless things, whether flute or harp, when producing a sound, if they do not produce distinct [musical] tones, how will anyone [listening] know what is piped or played?
Yet even lifeless things, whether flute or harp, when producing a sound, if they do not produce distinct [musical] tones, how will anyone [listening] know what is piped or played?
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp?
Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp?
Legacy Standard Bible
Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp?
Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp?
Berean Standard Bible
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?
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?
Contemporary English Version
If all musical instruments sounded alike, how would you know the difference between a flute and a harp?
If all musical instruments sounded alike, how would you know the difference between a flute and a harp?
Complete Jewish Bible
Even with lifeless musical instruments, such as a flute or a harp, how will anyone recognize the melody if one note can't be distinguished from another?
Even with lifeless musical instruments, such as a flute or a harp, how will anyone recognize the melody if one note can't be distinguished from another?
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?
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?
Easy-to-Read Version
This is true even with lifeless things that make sounds—like a flute or a harp. If the different musical notes are not made clear, you can't understand what song is being played. Each note must be played clearly for you to be able to understand the tune.
This is true even with lifeless things that make sounds—like a flute or a harp. If the different musical notes are not made clear, you can't understand what song is being played. Each note must be played clearly for you to be able to understand the tune.
Geneva Bible (1587)
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?
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?
Good News Translation
Take such lifeless musical instruments as the flute or the harp—how will anyone know the tune that is being played unless the notes are sounded distinctly?
Take such lifeless musical instruments as the flute or the harp—how will anyone know the tune that is being played unless the notes are sounded distinctly?
Lexham English Bible
Likewise, the inanimate things which produce a sound, whether flute or lyre, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the lyre?
Likewise, the inanimate things which produce a sound, whether flute or lyre, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the lyre?
Literal Translation
Yet lifeless things giving a sound, whether flute or harp, if they do not give a distinction in the sound, how will it be known what is being piped or harped?
Yet lifeless things giving a sound, whether flute or harp, if they do not give a distinction in the sound, how will it be known what is being 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?
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?
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?
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?
Hebrew Names Version
Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?
Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?
International Standard Version
In the same way, lifeless instruments like the flute or harp produce sounds. But if there's no difference in the notes, how can a person tell what tune is being played?
In the same way, lifeless instruments like the flute or harp produce sounds. But if there's no difference in the notes, how can a person tell what tune is being played?
Etheridge Translation
7 For those [fn] also which have no life in them, and give voice, whether pipe or harp, if distinction be not made between a tone and its fellow, how can it be known what is sung, or what is played ? [fn]
7 For those [fn] also which have no life in them, and give voice, whether pipe or harp, if distinction be not made between a tone and its fellow, how can it be known what is sung, or what is played ? [fn]
Murdock Translation
For even inanimate things that emit sound, whether pipe or harp, if they make no distinction between one sound and another, how will it be known, what is sung or what is harped?
For even inanimate things that emit sound, whether pipe or harp, if they make no distinction between one sound and another, how will it be known, what is sung or what is harped?
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Moreouer, thynges without lyfe geuing sound, whether [it be] a pipe or an harpe, except they make a distinction in the soundes, howe shall it be knowen what is piped or harped?
Moreouer, thynges without lyfe geuing sound, whether [it be] a pipe or an harpe, except they make a distinction in the soundes, howe shall it be knowen what is piped or harped?
English Revised 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?
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?
World English Bible
Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?
Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
So inanimate things which give a sound, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
So inanimate things which give a sound, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
Weymouth's New Testament
Even inanimate things--flutes or harps, for instance--when yielding a sound, if they make no distinction in the notes, how shall the tune which is played on the flute or the harp be known?
Even inanimate things--flutes or harps, for instance--when yielding a sound, if they make no distinction in the notes, how shall the tune which is played on the flute or the harp be known?
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
For tho thingis that ben withouten soule, and yyueth voices, ethir pipe, ether harpe, but tho yyuen distinccioun of sownyngis, hou schal it be knowun that is sungun, ether that that is trumpid?
For tho thingis that ben withouten soule, and yyueth voices, ethir pipe, ether harpe, but tho yyuen distinccioun of sownyngis, hou schal it be knowun that is sungun, ether that that is trumpid?
Update Bible Version
Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they don't give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they don't give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
Webster's Bible Translation
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?
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?
New English Translation
It is similar for lifeless things that make a sound, like a flute or harp. Unless they make a distinction in the notes, how can what is played on the flute or harp be understood?
It is similar for lifeless things that make a sound, like a flute or harp. Unless they make a distinction in the notes, how can what is played on the flute or harp be understood?
New King James Version
Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
New Living Translation
Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody.
Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody.
New Life Bible
There are things on which people play music. If strange sounds are made on these, how will others know which one is played?
There are things on which people play music. If strange sounds are made on these, how will others know which one is played?
New Revised Standard
It is the same way with lifeless instruments that produce sound, such as the flute or the harp. If they do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is being played?
It is the same way with lifeless instruments that produce sound, such as the flute or the harp. If they do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is being played?
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
In like manner, the things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, if, a distinction in the sounds, they do not give, how shall it be known, what is being piped or harped?
In like manner, the things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, if, a distinction in the sounds, they do not give, how shall it be known, what is being piped or harped?
Douay-Rheims Bible
Even things without life that give sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction of sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
Even things without life that give sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction of sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
Revised Standard Version
If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will any one know what is played?
If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will any one know what is played?
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Moreover whe thinges with out lyfe geve sounde: whether it be a pype or an harpe: except they make a distinccion in the soundes: how shall it be knowen what is pyped or harped?
Moreover whe thinges with out lyfe geve sounde: whether it be a pype or an harpe: except they make a distinccion in the soundes: how shall it be knowen what is pyped 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?
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?
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Likewyse is it also in ye thinges that geue sounde, and yet lyue not: whether it be a pype or an harpe, excepte they geue distyncte soundes from them, how shal it be knowne what is pyped or harped?
Likewyse is it also in ye thinges that geue sounde, and yet lyue not: whether it be a pype or an harpe, excepte they geue distyncte soundes from them, how shal it be knowne what is pyped or harped?
Mace New Testament (1729)
And even inanimate instruments of sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have a distinct variety of notes, how can they express any significant tune?
And even inanimate instruments of sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have a distinct variety of notes, how can they express any significant tune?
Simplified Cowboy Version
Even when a melody is played clear on the guitar, people can recognize the tune. If the notes aren't clear and orderly, then you might as well be hitting the guitar up against a wall.
Even when a melody is played clear on the guitar, people can recognize the tune. If the notes aren't clear and orderly, then you might as well be hitting the guitar up against a wall.
Contextual Overview
6 Now, my brethren, if I should come to you and speak in diverse tongues, what would I profit you, except I speak to you either by means of revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying or by teaching? 7 For even when things without life, giving sound, whether flute or harp, except they make a distinction between one tone and another, how shall it be known what is sung or played? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? 9 Even so you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what you say? you shall speak as into the air. 10 For, behold, there are many kinds of speech in the world, yet none of them are without expression. 11 So if I do not understand the utterance, I shall be as a barbarian to the speaker, and the speaker shall be as a barbarian to me. 12 Likewise you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, seek that you may excel in these gifts. 13 Thus he who speaks in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret it. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my knowledge is fruitless.
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
things: 1 Corinthians 13:1
except: 1 Corinthians 14:8, Numbers 10:2-10, Matthew 11:17, Luke 7:32
sounds: or, tunes
Reciprocal: Mark 13:14 - let him
Cross-References
Genesis 14:1
AND it came to pass in the days of Amarphel king of Sinar, Arioch king of Dalasar, Cardlaamar king of Elam, and Tarael king of Gelites
AND it came to pass in the days of Amarphel king of Sinar, Arioch king of Dalasar, Cardlaamar king of Elam, and Tarael king of Gelites
Genesis 14:8
And there went out the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar); all of these made war in the valley of Siddim,
And there went out the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar); all of these made war in the valley of Siddim,
Genesis 14:12
And they carried away Lot, Abrams brothers son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
And they carried away Lot, Abrams brothers son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Genesis 14:16
And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back Lot, his nephew, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back Lot, his nephew, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
Genesis 16:14
Therefore she called the well, Beer-di-khaya-khizan (which means, the well of the Living One who saw me). Behold, it is between Rakim and Gadar.
Therefore she called the well, Beer-di-khaya-khizan (which means, the well of the Living One who saw me). Behold, it is between Rakim and Gadar.
Genesis 20:1
AND Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and settled between Rakim and Gadar, and Abraham sojourned in Gadar.
AND Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and settled between Rakim and Gadar, and Abraham sojourned in Gadar.
Genesis 36:12
And Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esaus son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These were the sons of Adah, Esaus wife.
And Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esaus son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These were the sons of Adah, Esaus wife.
Genesis 36:16
Chief Gatham, chief Korah, and chief Amalek; these are the chiefs that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah.
Chief Gatham, chief Korah, and chief Amalek; these are the chiefs that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah.
Numbers 13:26
And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the wilderness of Paran, to Rakim; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land.
And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the wilderness of Paran, to Rakim; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land.
Numbers 14:43
For the Canaanites and the Amalekites are there before you, and you shall fall by the sword; because you are turned away from following the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.
For the Canaanites and the Amalekites are there before you, and you shall fall by the sword; because you are turned away from following the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
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.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Things without life - Instruments of music.
Whether pipe - This instrument (Î±Ï ÌλοÌÏ aulos) was usually made of reeds, and probably had a resemblance to a flageolet.
Or harp - This instrument (κιθαÌÏα kithara) was a stringed instrument, and was made in the same way as a modern harp. It usually had ten strings, and was struck with the plectrum, or with a key. It was commonly employed in praise.
Except they give a distinction in the sounds - Unless they give a difference in the âtones,â such as are indicated in the gamut for music.
How shall it be known ... - That is, there would be no time, no music. Nothing would be indicated by it. It would not be suited to excite the emotions of sorrow or of joy. All music is designed to excite emotions; but if there be no difference in the tones, no emotion would be produced. So it would be in words uttered. Unless there was something that was suited to excite thought or emotion; unless what was spoken was made âintelligible,â no matter how important in itself it might be, yet it would be useless.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 1 Corinthians 14:7. And even things without life — I may, as if he had said, illustrate this farther by referring to a pipe or harp; if these were to utter mere sounds without order, harmony, or melody, though every tone of music might be in the sounds, surely no person could discern a tune in such sounds, nor receive pleasure from such discords: even so is the person who speaks in an unknown tongue, but does not interpret. His speech tends no more to edification than those discordant and unmeaning sounds do to pleasure and delight.
