Things without Life Giving Sound 1 Corinthians 14:7

Paul the apostle asked the church members in Corinth, “if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine”, and in chapter fourteen and verse seven of First Corinthians, Paul shares with the Corinthian church members about “even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp”, where we read:

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?

The verse begins, “And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, ...”. Paul began with the words, “and even” or “nevertheless or though it be but” “things without life” which means “not having a soul and lifeless” “giving sound” which refers to “bestowing, granting, supplying, furnishing and delivering a tone, noise or voice”, “whether” or “if a” “pipe” which means “like a flute” “or harp” which refers to “a lyre or stringed instrument which is played”. Paul referred to a “fluted instrument” or a “stringed instrument” to make his point about a “distinctive” and understandable sounds.

The verse goes on to say, “... except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?” Paul continued with the word, “except” which means “unless” “they give” or “the instruments bestow, grant, supply, furnish and deliver” “a distinction” which means “a different” “in the sounds” or “musical instrumental sound”, “how” which means “in what way” “ shall it be known” or “learned, perceived, understood and had knowledge of” “what is piped” which means “that which is played on the flute” “or harped” or “strummed upon the stringed instrument”. Paul questioned “how” the “pipe or harp” could be “understood” unless what was played was according to a “particular” sound.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we understand his effort to demonstrate through the playing of instruments how the “vocal” “spiritual gifts” were to be employed. Unless instruments such as the “flute or lyre” are engaged with skill, those hearing them will not make distinction and cohesion of their music. They become just noise. Those who exercise the “vocal spiritual gifts” are to use them according to the instructions given by Paul and ultimately by the Holy Spirit. Let us keep in mind that Jesus provided these “gifts” through the Holy Spirit, and they are to be used to “edify” the church. Noisy instruments played off key are not usually understood, nor are people who exercise “spiritual gifts” in a manner which is not in alignment with God.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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