1 Corinthians 14:7

Even things without life, giving. voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not. distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

'Even things without life' -'This is only common sense. Even in the realm of instruments this makes sense.' (McGuiggan p. 180)

'giving. voice' -'producing. sound' (NASV)

'whether pipe or harp' -'The two instruments, flute and harp, are commonplace in the Hellenistic world..were played individually..and were used in various settings: dance, drama, pagan worship, etc..' (Fee p. 664)

Point to Note:

The restraint that the N.T. church had in reference to instrumental music being added to the worship services is amazing. Especially, in light of the following facts: (1) The O.T. had commanded them to be used in worship, and Christians possessed and read the O.T. (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15) (2) The religions surrounding them (Jewish and Pagan) used them. (3) They were popular in their own culture. (4) Something very strong must have prevented their use in the worship services during the first 600 years of Christianity. The only logical conclusion is that when Christians read the Scriptures, then must have reached the same conclusion members of the Lord's Church reach today, i.e. that their use in worship is unscriptural. (Ephesians 5:19)

'if they give not. distinction in the sounds' -'if they do not produce. distinction in the tones' (NASV); 'unless the notes are quite distinct.' (TCNT)

'how shall it be known what is piped or harped?' -The point being that even in the realm of "lifeless things", the need for intelligent communication is necessary, if any profit is to be derived.

'To sit down at. piano and haphazardly punish those keys is to be. pain in the neck. Having done that, could you expect sane people to appreciate it?' (McGuiggan p. 180)