1 Corinthians 14: “Barbarians” & “Idiots”?

Language evolves. Barbaros in ancient Greece simply meant one whose speech is rude, rough and harsh, often used to describe foreigners. Hence Paul advised the Corinthians who flaunted their glossolalia to not use their tongues meant for prayer to speak to the congregation. Without interpretation, the speaker would sound like a “barbarian” (14:11 KJV). The listener on the other hand would seem an “idiot” (14:6,23-24, Gk: idiōtēs, unlearned) who could not understand what was spoken.

Love speaks sense

Paul who previously declared that the gift of prophecy would amount to nothing without love (13:2), now began this chapter saying: “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (14:1). Sounding brass and clanging cymbal do not make sense (13:1), just like the random flute or harp, or trumpet (14:7-8). But when love seeks not its own (13:5; 14:4) and seeks to edify others (14:4-5,12,31), it all makes powerful sense (14:24-25)

Women to be muted?

Tongues without interpretation should be muted because they cannot be understood. But why should women be muted (14:29,34)? Didn’t Paul mention women prophesying (11:5)?  The instruction that women “keep silent” was an interjection to the call to keep the church in order when exercising the gift of prophesy and must be understood in this context.

For any message to make sense, not only must it be conveyed in a familiar language, it must also be delivered in orderly fashion – take turns to speak, let only one prophet speak at any one time. God’s revelation is placed in the heart, not forced through the lips, hence it can wait to be uttered in turn (14:29-31).

Prophecy is given for all to learn, and learning requires submission (14:31,34) – slow to speak, quick to hear, receiving with meekness the implanted word (Js 1:19-21). While the Corinthian men were eager to share what they believed they have been divinely given (14:36-37), the womenfolk were unrestrained by questioning in the name of learning (14:35).  Teachers will tell you how a lesson cannot progress properly when students ask questions for the sake of asking!

Decency & Order

When civil behaviour replaces the “barbaric”, no one is made to look like “idiots”. That’s when all things are done decently and in order, so that all will be edified and encouraged (14:40, 26, 31)

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