THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS - Chapter 14 - Verse 7

Verse 7. Things without life. Instruments of music.

Whether pipe. This instrument (aulov) was usually made of reeds, and probably had a resemblance to a flageolet.

Or harp. This instrument (kiyara) was a stringed instrument, and was made in the same way as a modern harp. It usually had ten strings, and was struck with the plectrum, or with a key. It was commonly employed in praise.

Except they give a distinction in the sounds. Unless they give a difference in the tones, such as are indicated in the gamut for music.

How shall it be known, etc. That is, there would be no time, no music. Nothing would be indicated by it. It would not be fitted to excite the emotions of sorrow or of joy. All music is designed to excite emotions; but if there be no difference in the tones, no emotion would be produced. So it would be in words uttered. Unless there was something that was fitted to excite thought or emotion; unless what was spoken was made intelligible, no matter how important in itself it might be, yet it would be useless.

{1} "sounds" "tunes"