1 Corinthians 14:21
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Paul is pointing out that when God speaks through the unfamiliar, it's a sign of judgment, not just a spiritual gift. This verse highlights that the miraculous gift of tongues, when used without interpretation, can actually become a barrier to understanding, just as the original prophecy warned. It’s a powerful reminder that God's communication is meant to be clear and accessible, not an exclusive code.
In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' chaotic church gatherings, particularly their excessive use of speaking in tongues. He cites this Old Testament passage from Isaiah to explain that prophecy, which is understandable, is more beneficial for building up the church than ecstatic utterances. This verse emphasizes that even God's direct interventions can be ignored if people aren't receptive to His message.
Ever feel like God's message is getting lost in translation? Paul points us to an ancient principle: God can use the unexpected, even 'strange tongues,' to get our attention.
Paul quotes Isaiah here to make a powerful point about spiritual gifts, specifically speaking in tongues. He's saying that even the supernatural sign of speaking in unknown languages is, in the original prophetic sense, a sign directed at people who don't understand it. It's meant to be a message from God, but one that highlights a hardening of hearts and a refusal to listen. It's a sign that points to a spiritual reality, but one that doesn't automatically guarantee belief or obedience. God can use anything, even something baffling, to speak, but human ears must be open to hear.
Sometimes, even when God clearly speaks, we fail to hear. This verse is a stark warning about the consequences of spiritual deafness.
The latter part of the quote from Isaiah is critical: '...and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.' Paul uses this to underscore that spiritual gifts, like speaking in tongues or prophecy, aren't just for display. They are meant to draw people to God. However, if people's hearts are already closed off, even the most miraculous signs will be rejected. God is sovereign and can speak through anything, but He also respects human will. The ultimate tragedy isn't a lack of signs, but a lack of willingness to listen and obey when God does speak, whether through the familiar or the strange.
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Torah · Hebrew Noun
The entire body of instruction given by God to Israel, often used to refer to the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) or the Old Testament Scriptures as a whole. It serves as the authoritative revelation of God's will and covenant requirements.
glōssa · Greek Noun
A miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit, enabling a believer to speak in a language or utterance not previously learned. It serves as a sign of God's presence and power, particularly in the context of the new covenant age.
This verse directly quotes Isaiah 28:11-12, which was spoken during a time when foreign powers like Assyria and Babylon threatened Jerusalem. The 'strange tongues' represent the language of foreign conquerors, a sign of judgment for Israel's disobedience. Paul uses this to warn the Corinthians that their misuse of spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues, could be misunderstood as a sign of judgment rather than divine blessing if not exercised with understanding and order.
c. 730 BC
Assyrian Empire Ascends
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its expansion, becoming a major superpower that would dominate the region. Their military might and administrative control would profoundly impact Israel and Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
Assyria conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants and repopulating the area with foreigners. This event creates a mixed population and deepens divisions within the people of God.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. Isaiah the prophet delivers God's message of deliverance to King Hezekiah.
c. 627 BC
Decline of Assyrian Power
The Assyrian Empire begins to weaken after the death of Ashurbanipal. This shift in power allows for the rise of Babylon and a brief period of resurgence for Judah.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon defeats the Egyptians and begins deporting Judean elites, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This is the cataclysmic event that fulfills many prophetic warnings about disobedience.
This is the direct Old Testament prophecy Paul is quoting, showing that the phenomenon of speaking in 'strange tongues' was foreshadowed as a sign of judgment against an unhearing people.
Deuteronomy 28:49This passage describes a future judgment where God would bring a nation from far away, speaking a foreign language, as a sign of His displeasure, echoing the theme of divine communication through unintelligible speech.
Acts 2:4This passage describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, where believers began speaking in other tongues, but here it's presented as a sign of God's blessing and empowerment, contrasting with the judgment implied in 1 Corinthians 14:21.
John 12:37-40Jesus' ministry was also met with disbelief, and John quotes Isaiah (similar to 1 Corinthians 14:21) to explain why many refused to believe, even after seeing miracles, highlighting a persistent theme of divine revelation being rejected.
Paul is pointing out that when God speaks through the unfamiliar, it's a sign of judgment, not just a spiritual gift. This verse highlights that the miraculous gift of tongues, when used without interpretation, can actually become a barrier to understanding, just as the original prophecy warned. It’s a powerful reminder that God's communication is meant to be clear and accessible, not an exclusive code.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' chaotic church gatherings, particularly their excessive use of speaking in tongues. He cites this Old Testament passage from Isaiah to explain that prophecy, which is understandable, is more beneficial for building up the church than ecstatic utterances. This verse emphasizes that even God's direct interventions can be ignored if people aren't receptive to His message.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' chaotic church gatherings, particularly their excessive use of speaking in tongues. He cites this Old Testament passage from Isaiah to explain that prophecy, which is understandable, is more beneficial for building up the church than ecstatic utterances. This verse emphasizes that even God's direct interventions can be ignored if people aren't receptive to His message.
"In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.”" — Paul is pointing out that when God speaks through the unfamiliar, it's a sign of judgment, not just a spiritual gift. This verse highlights that the miraculous gift of tongues, when used without in…
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Last reviewed October 2026
