What does it mean to be a barbarian to someone in 1 Corinthians 14:11?
In 1 Corinthians 14:11, being a barbarian to someone means your speech is unintelligible to them; you are like an uncivilized foreigner whose words carry no meaning. Communication fails, and no understanding exists between the speaker and the hearer unless the voice is interpreted.
Les explains that Paul is illustrating the purpose of language: God gave us the ability to communicate. If I do not know the meaning of the voice, Paul says, I shall be unto him that speaketh like a barbarian. That means he cannot understand. There is no purpose in making a sound if it does not communicate. The speaker is like a barbarian to me. How much understanding will come between a barbarian, an uncivilized person, and a cultured man like Paul? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Les then connects this to verse 12, where believers zealous of spiritual things should seek to edify, promote, exhort, and lift up the whole church, not just one or two. Verse 13 says the one speaking in an unknown tongue should pray that he may interpret. Tongues are not forbidden, but unless the sound can be reduced to something understandable, you are beating the air.
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.
How much understanding is there between a barbarian and a cultured man?
There is no understanding whatsoever between a barbarian and a cultured man. The text states that between an uncivilized person and a cultured man like Paul, there is nothing, absolutely nothing. Since neither can understand the other's voice or meaning, no communication or comprehension occurs.
What does Paul mean by calling someone a barbarian in 1 Corinthians 14:11?
In 1 Corinthians 14:11, calling someone a barbarian means the person is unintelligible, like an uncivilized speaker to a cultured hearer. If the voice's meaning is unknown, no understanding occurs between them; the speaker seems barbarian to the hearer, and the hearer barbarian to the speaker. Communication fails.