1 Corinthians 14:8

For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war?

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Other translations

WEBBE

For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war?

BSB

Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle?

KJV

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

ASV

For if the trumpet give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war?

BBE

For if the war-horn gives out an uncertain note, who will get ready for the fight?

Original Greek

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καὶ kai Also G2532 γὰρ gar for G1063 ἐὰν ean if G1437 ἄδηλον adēlon indistinct G82 σάλπιγξ salpigx [the] trumpet G4536 φωνὴν phōnēn sound G5456 δῷ dō shall give G1325 τίς tis who G5101 παρασκευάσεται paraskeuasetai will prepare himself G3903 εἰς eis for G1519 πόλεμον; polemon battle G4171

The early church

"For if the trumpet give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war?" Thus from things merry ornamental he carries on his argument to those which are more necessary and useful; and saith that not in the harp alone, but in the trumpet also one may see this effect produced. For in that also there are certain measures; and they give out at one time a warlike note, and at another one that is not so; and again sometimes it leads out to line of battle and at others recalls from it: and unless one know this, there is great danger. Which is just what he means, and the mischief of it what he is manifesting, when he saith, "who shall prepare himself for war?" So then, if it have not this quality, it is the ruin of all.
John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on 1 Corinthians

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 6–14

Even an apostle could not edify, unless he spoke so as to be understood by his hearers. To speak words that have no meaning to those who hear them, is but speaking into the air. That cannot answer the end of speaking, which has no meaning; in this case, speaker and hearers are barbarians to each other. All religious services should be so performed in Christian assemblies, that all may join in, and profit by them. Language plain and easy to be understood, is the most proper for public worship, and other religious exercises. Every true follower of Christ will rather desire to do good to others, than to get a name for learning or fine speaking.

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Cross-references

11

Topics

Trumpet

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.