Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin
John Calvin have given above, than at variance with it. For we have said that prophesying does not consist of a simple and bare interpretation of Scripture, but includes also knowledge for applying it to present use — which is obtained only by revelation, and the special inspiration of God.
1 Corinthians 14:7-17
1 Corinthians 14:7-17 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?
7. Quin et inanimia vocem reddentia, sive tibia, sive cithara, nisi distinctionem sonis dederint: quomodo cognoscetur, quod tibia canitur aut cithara?
8. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
8. Etenim si incertam vocem tuba dederit, quis apparabitur ad bellum? 9. So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
9. Sic et vos per linguam, nisi significantem sermonem dederitis: quomodo intelligetur quod dicitur? eritis enim in aerem loquentes.
10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
10. Tam multa, verbi gratia, genera vocum sunt in mundo, et nihil horum mutum.
11. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
11. Itaque si nesciero vim voeis, ero ei qui loquitur, barbarus: et qui loquitur, apud me barbarus.
12. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
12. Itaque et vos, quandoquidem sectatores estis spirituum, ad aedificationera Ecclesiae quaeerite, ut excellatis.
13. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
13. Quapropter qui loquitur lingua, oret ut interpretetur. 14. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
14. Nam si orem lingua, spiritus meus orat, mens autem mea fructu caret. 15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
15. Quid igitur est? orabo spiritu, sed orabo et mente: canam spiritu,