1 Corinthians 14:8

For example, if the trumpet made an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for battle?

Catholic Public Domain Version

In The King James Version

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

In Context

7Even those things that are without a soul can make sounds, whether it is a wind or a stringed instrument. But unless they present a distinction within the sounds, how will it be known which is from the pipe and which is from the string?

9So it is with you also, for unless you utter with the tongue in plain speech, how will it be known what is said? For then you would be speaking into the air.

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Cross References

Numbers 10:9If you go forth to war from your land, against the enemies who set out against you, you shall sound the trumpets repeatedly, and there shall be a remembrance of you before the Lord your God, so that you may be rescued from the hands of your enemies.

Judges 7:16And he divided the three hundred men into three parts. And he gave trumpets, and empty pitchers, and lamps for the middle of the pitchers, into their hands.

Job 39:24Seething and raging, he drinks up the earth; neither does he pause when the blast of the trumpet sounds.

Jeremiah 4:19I am afflicted in my heart, in my heart. The senses of my heart have been stirred up within me. I will not remain silent. For my soul has heard the voice of the trumpet, the clamor of the battle.

Joel 2:1Blow the trumpet in Zion, wail on my holy mountain, let all the inhabitants of the land be stirred up. For the day of the Lord is on its way; for it is near:

Ephesians 6:11Be clothed in the armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the treachery of the devil.

Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 14:7-15

On Spiritual Gifts. ( a. d. 57.) 6 Now, brethren, 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? 7 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? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words… Read the whole commentary →

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