1 Corinthians 14:21
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)
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Here, Paul reminds us that even when God speaks through seemingly foreign or confusing means, it's still His voice. The frustration here isn't just about how God speaks, but that the listeners refuse to acknowledge His message, even when it's undeniably His. It challenges us to examine our own willingness to hear God, especially when His methods aren't what we expect.
Paul is addressing the chaotic worship services in Corinth, particularly the use of speaking in tongues without interpretation. He's arguing that the purpose of spiritual gifts, like speaking in tongues, is to build up the church, not just to impress or confuse. This verse from Isaiah is used to show that even the miraculous use of foreign languages (which speaking in tongues could represent) isn't guaranteed to make people listen if they're already resistant.
Ever felt like God's message was coming through in a way you didn't expect? Paul reminds us that even 'strange tongues' can be a divine sign.
Paul pulls from Isaiah 28 to make a powerful point about the 'gift of tongues' in the church. He's not dismissing it, but he's framing its purpose.
A Sign for Unbelievers
In Isaiah's time, God's message came through foreign invaders speaking a language the Israelites didn't understand. It was a judgment, a stark warning that they weren't listening to God's prophets.
A Call to Listen
Paul applies this here: when people speak in tongues (languages they haven't learned), it's meant to be a sign to outsiders – a signal that God is acting and speaking, even if the message isn't immediately clear to them. It's a way to get their attention, a last-ditch effort before judgment.
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What happens when people still don't listen, even when God sends unmistakable signs? This verse carries a heavy warning about hardened hearts.
The quote Paul uses isn't just about a sign; it's about the response to the sign. God speaks through these foreign tongues, but the people of Israel still refuse to listen.
The Pattern of Rejection
This highlights a recurring theme in Scripture: God faithfully communicates, but humanity often stubbornly rejects His word. Even miraculous signs aren't guaranteed to bring about repentance if the heart is set against God.
God's Final Plea
Paul uses this to urge the Corinthian church towards order. If the 'gift of tongues' isn't being used in a way that edifies the whole church (especially by having interpretation), it risks becoming like those foreign tongues in Isaiah – a sign that's ultimately ineffective because of hardened hearts, or a sign pointing to judgment.
Understand the original words
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.
Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11-12 to remind the Corinthians that God uses unfamiliar languages (like speaking in tongues) as a sign of judgment against those who refuse to listen, especially when prophecy is available and understood.
c. 750 BC
Assyrian Empire Rises
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire began its aggressive expansion, becoming a dominant force in the ancient Near East.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) fell to the Assyrians, and its people were exiled, a major judgment from God.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Under Sennacherib, Assyria invaded the southern kingdom of Judah, conquering many cities but failing to capture Jerusalem.
c. 625-605 BC
Rise of Babylon
The Neo-Babylonian Empire emerged as a world power, eventually conquering the Assyrians and dominating the region.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling many of the remaining Judeans.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
The Apostle Paul penned this letter to the church in Corinth, addressing issues of spiritual gifts, order, and unity.
This is the direct Old Testament passage Paul is quoting, showing that the phenomenon of speaking in tongues was prophesied as a sign of judgment, not just blessing.
Deuteronomy 28:49This passage describes a future nation that will attack Israel, speaking a language they don't understand, illustrating the 'strange tongues' and 'foreigners' Paul refers to as a sign of God's judgment.
Acts 2:4This passage describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, where believers spoke in other tongues; it's a key example of the spiritual gift Paul is discussing, though here it's presented more positively than in Isaiah's prophecy.
John 12:37-40Jesus laments that despite His miracles, the people did not believe Him, referencing Isaiah's prophecy about their hardened hearts, which parallels the hardened hearts Paul addresses concerning the sign gifts.
Here, Paul reminds us that even when God speaks through seemingly foreign or confusing means, it's still His voice. The frustration here isn't just about how God speaks, but that the listeners refuse to acknowledge His message, even when it's undeniably His. It challenges us to examine our own willingness to hear God, especially when His methods aren't what we expect.
Paul is addressing the chaotic worship services in Corinth, particularly the use of speaking in tongues without interpretation. He's arguing that the purpose of spiritual gifts, like speaking in tongues, is to build up the church, not just to impress or confuse. This verse from Isaiah is used to show that even the miraculous use of foreign languages (which speaking in tongues could represent) isn't guaranteed to make people listen if they're already resistant.
Paul is addressing the chaotic worship services in Corinth, particularly the use of speaking in tongues without interpretation. He's arguing that the purpose of spiritual gifts, like speaking in tongues, is to build up the church, not just to impress or confuse. This verse from Isaiah is used to show that even the miraculous use of foreign languages (which speaking in tongues could represent) isn't guaranteed to make people listen if they're already resistant.
"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.”" — Here, Paul reminds us that even when God speaks through seemingly foreign or confusing means, it's still His voice. The frustration here isn't just about how God speaks, but that the listeners *ref…
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