1 Corinthians 14:21 – “In the Law it is written: ‘With other tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul is quoting from Isaiah 28:11-12, where God warns Israel that because of their disobedience, He will speak to them through the languages of foreigners—specifically the Assyrians, who would conquer them.
Paul uses this Old Testament prophecy to make a point about speaking in tongues in the Corinthian church. The gift of tongues is a real spiritual gift, but it was never meant to be the primary focus of worship. In the past, foreign languages were often a sign of judgment—not of spiritual superiority.
The Corinthians were obsessed with tongues, treating them as a mark of advanced spirituality. But Paul reminds them that tongues do not always indicate a special closeness to God—in fact, in the Old Testament, hearing foreign languages was a sign that people were not listening to God.
This verse warns against misunderstanding the purpose of tongues. They are a sign, but they are not a measure of spiritual maturity.
Historical Context
Paul is referencing Isaiah 28:11-12, where God rebukes Israel for their rebellion and unwillingness to listen to His words.
- In Isaiah’s day, the Israelites ignored God’s prophets, so God told them He would speak to them through a foreign nation—the Assyrians, who would conquer them as judgment for their sin.
- The sound of the Assyrian language was a sign of Israel’s disobedience and punishment.
By quoting Isaiah, Paul is making a powerful statement:
- The Corinthians were proud of speaking in tongues, thinking it made them more spiritual.
- But Paul reminds them that in biblical history, hearing foreign languages was not always a good thing—it was often a sign that God’s people were not listening to Him.
Paul wanted the Corinthians to think carefully about the true purpose of tongues instead of misusing them for personal glory.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several important truths:
- Spiritual gifts should be understood in their biblical context. Tongues are not just about personal experience—they have a purpose in God’s plan.
- Signs are not always positive. Just because something is supernatural doesn’t mean it is proof of spiritual maturity.
- Listening to God is more important than chasing signs. Israel failed to listen to God’s clear words, so they were given a foreign language as judgment. Paul warns the Corinthians not to make the same mistake.
The main point: It’s better to understand and obey God’s Word than to seek dramatic spiritual experiences.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s quote from Isaiah reinforces his argument about tongues in the church.
- “In the Law it is written” – Paul is using Scripture as the foundation for his teaching.
- “With other tongues and through the lips of foreigners” – Refers to God using foreign languages as a sign to His people.
- “Even then they will not listen to me” – Highlights the real problem—people’s refusal to hear and obey God.
This direct Old Testament reference connects the Corinthians’ situation to Israel’s past mistakes, showing that spiritual gifts should never replace genuine obedience to God’s Word.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 28:11-12 – The original prophecy about foreign tongues as a sign of judgment.
- Acts 2:1-11 – At Pentecost, tongues were used to spread the gospel in a way people could understand.
- Deuteronomy 28:49 – God warned that foreign languages would be a sign of judgment.
- 1 Corinthians 14:22 – Paul explains that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not for those who already believe.
- Matthew 13:14-15 – Jesus says that people often hear but do not understand because their hearts are hardened.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds believers to focus on God’s Word rather than chasing signs and experiences.
- Spiritual experiences must be tested by Scripture. Are we seeking experiences just for excitement, or are we growing in truth?
- Listening to God is more important than seeking signs. Israel ignored clear messages from God, so He gave them a sign of judgment. Are we truly listening to Him?
- True faith is about obedience, not just supernatural moments. Many people want miracles but are not willing to follow God’s clear commands.
This passage warns against focusing on gifts instead of the Giver.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He warns and teaches His people:
- God warns before He judges. He told Israel clearly what would happen if they disobeyed, just as He warns believers today through His Word.
- God speaks clearly so we can understand. Unlike tongues that require interpretation, God’s truth is meant to be known and followed.
- God wants obedience, not just excitement. He does not desire dramatic signs for their own sake—He wants His people to trust and obey Him.
God’s love is best experienced through faithfulness to His Word, not just through dramatic experiences.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus also spoke about the danger of seeking signs instead of truth:
- Matthew 12:39 – Jesus rebuked people who demanded a sign instead of believing His words.
- John 14:26 – Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to teach and remind believers of His truth, not just to give dramatic experiences.
- Luke 24:27 – Jesus explained the Scriptures to His disciples—He focused on understanding and faith, not just miracles.
Paul’s teaching reflects Jesus’ approach—true faith is about knowing and following God, not just chasing spiritual experiences.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Do you focus more on spiritual experiences or on understanding and obeying God’s Word?
- How can you ensure that your pursuit of spiritual gifts is rooted in Scripture?
- What are some ways that people today seek signs instead of seeking God Himself?
- In what areas of your life might God be calling you to listen more carefully to His Word?
- How does this verse challenge the way you think about the purpose of spiritual gifts?