1 Corinthians 14:7

“And even things without life giving sound, etc.] He instances in things inanimate, that have neither reason, sense, nor life, in musical instruments, and these of various sorts: whether pipe or harp; wind music, or hand music; either that which is blown with the breath, or pressed or stricken with the hand: except they give a distinction in the sounds; or “tunes”, so as one may be discerned from another; as that this is such a musical note, and that is another: how shall it be known what is piped or harped? what tune is played; such an use of instruments would be a mere jargon, and not music, and so yield no pleasure to the ear, or mind; and just the like must speaking in an unknown tongue…”

“Translate, "And things without life-giving sound, whether pipe or harp, YET (notwithstanding their giving sound) if they give not a distinction in the tones (that is, notes) how?" &c. what is piped or harped--that is, what tune is played on the pipe or harp.”

“Things without life - Instruments of music. Whether pipe - This instrument (αὐλὸς aulos) was usually made of reeds, and probably had a resemblance to a flageolet. Or harp - This instrument (κιθάρα kithara) 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 ... - That is, there would be no time, no music. Nothing would be indicated by it. It would not be suited to excite the emotions of sorrow or…”

“How shall it be known what is piped or harped - What music can be made, or what end answered? 1 Corinthians 14:8”

“14:7-12 A message needs to be clearly intelligible if it is to communicate effectively.”

“things: Co1 13:1 except: Co1 14:8; Num 10:2-10; Mat 11:17; Luk 7:32 sounds: or, tunes 1 Corinthians 14:8”