Why must a musical instrument give a distinction in its sound according to 1 Corinthians 14:7?
According to 1 Corinthians 14:7, an instrument must produce a distinct sound, the right note in the right place and timing, so hearers can recognize what is piped or harped. Without that distinction, the sound is merely noise or gibberish; no melody, harmony, or identifiable tune is communicated.
Les teaches that Paul uses lifeless musical instruments as an illustration. A pipe or harp must give a distinction in sound—the right note at the right place and in the right timing—otherwise no one can know what is piped or harped or make a melody. Les compares this to a symphony orchestra tuning before the curtain: it is gibberish and noise, with no melody or harmony, until the musicians bring out the right tone within the score. The same principle carries into the next verse: an uncertain trumpet cannot tell anyone to prepare for battle.
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?
More Questions
What does Paul mean when he says instruments must give a distinction in the sound?
Paul teaches that unless a lifeless instrument gives a distinction in the sound — that is, the right note at the right place and in the right timing — no one can tell what is being piped or harped, and no melody can be made.
What does 1 Corinthians 14:7 teach about the pipe and harp giving a distinction in the sound?
In 1 Corinthians 14:7 Paul points out that even lifeless musical instruments like the pipe or harp must give a distinction in the sound, otherwise no one can know what is being piped or harped.