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NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:19 nevertheless, in public worship I would rather say five understandable words in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue [which others cannot understand]. |
Bible Question: Why the choice of the number five in I Corinthians 14:19? "I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind, that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue." |
Bible Answer: Why ten thousand, the number Paul uses next? I doubt very much that Paul was into numerology and it would be fairly safe therefore to infer that the numbers per se are not especially suggestive. He juxtaposes a very low number with a very high one for contrast, for emphasis, to make his point. The first illustrative example that comes to mind is this. Which carries the better message -- to yell clearly "The building is on fire" (5 words) or to read to the occupants a pamphlet on fire safety printed in Sanskrit (10,000 words)? |