1 Corinthians 14:8

If the bugle sounds a doubtful call, who will prepare for battle?

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

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

In Context

7Even with inanimate things, such as a flute or a harp, though they produce sounds, yet unless the notes are quite distinct, how can the tune played on the flute or the harp be recognized?

9And so with you; unless, in using the gift of ‘tongues,’ you utter intelligible words, how can what you say be understood? You will be speaking to the winds!

Read all of 1 Corinthians 14

Cross References

Joel 2:1Blow a horn in Zion, sound an alarm in my holy mountain, let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord comes, for near is

Ephesians 6:11Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground against the stratagems 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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Corinthians 14:8