An Interpretation of "γλῶσσα" written in the 1 Corinthians ⑤

Ⅲ. The theory that two meanings are mixed

​

According to this theory, Paul saw positive evaluations of foreign languages and negative evaluations of an unknown tongue. The representative English version, KJV (King James Version) fits this theory. The term “tongue (s)” (γλῶσσα) in 1 Corinthians 14 is separately used as “an unknown tongue” and “foreign languages”. As is well known, KJV is a translation based on “TR1550MR” (Textus Receptus). TR1550MR is a Bible based on the translation of the Latin translation (Vulgate) into Greek. In 1 Corinthians 14: 2, 13, 14, 19, 27 used as a singular form in KJV, it is translated with “an unknown” that is not found in the original Greek text. When “tongue” (γλῶσσα) is written in singular, it is translated as “an unknown tongue” and when used in plural form, it is translated into foreign languages.

Abbott Smith understood that the “tongue (s)” (γλῶσσα) used in the New Testament was relatively broad. In other words, it took a more comprehensive position than other views by defining as "the incomprehensible sounds spoken in the spiritual selflessness" along with the language organs (tongues) and the human language (foreign languages).[23]

No Uho said, “Paul uses 'tongue (s)', which is used in 1 Corinthians 14, in two categories. One thing is used in singular, it is an unknown sound that the Corinthian speaks to God alone that no one can understand. Another is written in plural form, meaning the foreign languages of Paul himself. ”[24] There is an opinion that dividing the “tongue (s)” (γλῶσσα) of the Corinthian church into singular and plural forms is an irrational interpretation. However, KJV (King James) clearly interprets singular and plural separately, and it seems to be quite a reasonable translation compared to other contexts. This is because many other opinions have an error in interpretation due to assuming that the “tongue (s)” (γλῶσσα) of the Corinthian Church is all the same concept. Therefore, we have to interpret this by dividing it into “foreign language as a gift” (12:10), “angel's language” (13: 1), and “unknown sound” (14: 2).

What is unusual is that Paul said, “In the law it is written, with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 14:21, KJV 1900)

It is an example that "tongues" is clearly interpreted as "foreign languages." In this context, it is foreign languages when it is used as a plural noun in all cases of “γλῶσσα” in the New Testament, including the examples of Isaiah 28:11 in 14:21. And when it is used as a singular noun, it should be considered as “the utterance of an ecstasy” or “repeated unknown sound.”

So far, we have reviewed previous studies on the meaning of “tongue (s)” (γλῶσσα) in the New Testament. Through this, it can be seen that the “tongue (s)” (γλῶσσα), which the apostle Paul speaks, was clearly divided into plural and singular. Each theory has its own logic and argument, but none of the theories provide a solid argument for the meaning of the “tongue (s)” (γλῶσσα) phenomenon of the modern church. Therefore, in Chapter 3, we will look at the use of the entire New Testament (including some Old Testament Bibles) and draw conclusions on this, especially in 1 Corinthians 14.[25]

This post (posting) is a personally copyrighted article (including photos) from the Multilingual Bible Institute. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and processing are not allowed, but can be used when specifying the source and URL of the material. This institute is an organization that supports the multilingual Reading the Bible movement for missionary activities and the Bible translation work of unreached minorities. In addition to the Bible Hebrew and Bible Greek classes for reading the Bible, the lectures of classical Latin are available (online and offline available). We also offer English courses through the BIBLE ENGLISH system, which is aimed at children and adults. This post (posting) is translated into four languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, and is serviced all over the world, actively supporting the mission of Christian missionaries.

Inquiries about partnerships such as missionary activities: usedslr@gmail.com, YouTube: Multilingual Bible Research Institute