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.
Les explains that in 1 Corinthians 14:11, if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh like a barbarian, and he that speaketh is like a barbarian to me. A barbarian is an uncivilized person; between such a person and a cultured man like Paul there is no understanding—absolutely nothing. The purpose of speech is communication, so a sound that cannot be understood accomplishes nothing. Therefore, the one speaking in an unknown tongue should pray that he may interpret, and the church should seek edification of the whole group, not just one or two; otherwise, unless the sound is 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.