…… to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
This a snippet from Paul’s teaching on spiritual gift in his first letter to the Corinthian Church. γλωσσῶν (glōssōn) is the Greek word that translates as speaking in different kinds of tongues. It occurs 50 times in the entire Greek manuscript, either referring to a God-inspired language, the common language of a people or the tongue as an organ. However, in this article, the focus is on the former.
The primary purpose of this article is not to present a doctrinal debate or to argue for scriptural accuracy about the tongue gift. It is to provide a resource article containing information about the tongue gift as a personal spiritual prayer language from a biblical standpoint.
Use it for your perusal, research, and learning of The Supernatural.
What Does Speaking In Tongues Mean?
Speaking in tongues in the Bible refers to Spirit-enabled speech. It is found mainly in the books of Acts and 1 Corinthians.
Speaking in tongues is one of the most discussed spiritual gifts in the Bible, especially in the books of Acts and 1 Corinthians.
In Acts, we see speaking in tongues described as a miraculous sign where people spoke in real, understandable languages on the day of pentecost. In 1 Corinthians, Paul also describes tongues as a spiritual prayer language used for personal edification.
Through the above explanations, we see that these Bible verses about speaking in tongues show two clear contexts: a public gift used in the early church and a private prayer language for personal edification.
Glossolalia is the theological term often used to describe speaking in tongues. Although most Bible readers simply recognize it as “tongues” or “unknown languages” in Scripture.
What is the Difference Between Tongues as a Prayer Language and Tongues as a Spiritual Gift?
The Bible presents speaking in tongues in two major ways. And understanding the difference will help you prevent confusion when reading the Scripture.
The first is tongues as a personal prayer language, where a believer speaks to God in the Spirit for personal edification. This is mostly seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 14, where Paul explains that a person who speaks in tongues “speaks not to men but to God.”
The second is tongues as a spiritual gift for the church. This is seen in instances where a message is given in a tongue to a church and it requires interpretation so others can understand. This is seen in 1 Corinthians 12–14, where Paul emphasizes order, interpretation, and edification of the church.
Both expressions come from the same Holy Spirit. But they function differently depending on whether the setting is in your private devotion or in a gathering of other believers.
What the Bible says about The Tongues Gift.
Bible verses about what tongues is.
1 Corinthians 12:10-11
…Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts….
1 Corinthians 14:2
“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”
This bible verse about speaking in tongues defines the Tongue gift as a deeply spiritual prayer language. This means that the tongue gift is not a language that the human mind can comprehend unless by the gift of tongue interpretation.
1 Corinthians 14:22
“Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.”
Scripture about the Significance of Tongues
Philippians 2:11
“and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Joel 2:28
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
Related: The work of the Holy Spirit(His ministries, roles, and effects).
Power or Benefits of Tongues Bible Verses
1 Corinthians 14:4-6
“Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
Jude 1:20-24
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”
Acts 2:6-11
“When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?'”
Their are personal and supernatural benefits of speaking in tongues. Paul explains in Corinthians that tongues strengthens the believer spiritually, while Jude states that it helps us build our faith. And in Acts we see how speaking in tongues served as a sign that draws people to the power of God.
Crystallize Your Learning
Who is the tongues gift for?
John 3:3
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
Act 2:4
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 19:6
“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
Mark 16:17
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.”
Acts 10:46
“For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”
These passages makes it clear that the gift of tongues is not limited to a specific group of persons but is available to every believer through the Holy Spirit. As believer’s, tongues is part of our spiritual inheritance, it is not a restricted experience.
Bible verses on How to activate the gift of tongues
Deuteronomy 34:9
“Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.”
1 Corinthians 14:18
“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.”
1 Corinthians 14:39
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
1 Corinthians 12:30
“Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?”
These verses emphasizes that the gift of tongues is more of a spiritual order that is not under human control. Paul’s teachings show that believers are encouraged to desire spiritual gifts, but it also highlights that tongues should not be misused but received and expressed in alignment with the Holy Spirit.
How to flow appropriately in the tongue gift: Balanced Usage
1 Cor 14:19
“But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
1 Cor 14:14-15
“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.”
1 Corinthians 13:1
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
1 Corinthians 14:23
“So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?”
1 Corinthians 14:27
“If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.”
1 Corinthians 14:5-6
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.”
1 Corinthians 14:13
“For this reason, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is speaking in tongues biblical?
Yes. Speaking in tongues is recorded in the New Testament. We see it especially in Acts and 1 Corinthians, as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
Is speaking in tongues still for today?
Yes it is. As Christians we believe speaking in tongues is still active today as part of the evidence of the Holy Spirit.
What does 1 Corinthians 14 say about tongues in church?
It teaches that tongues should be done orderly in church. Interpreted in public Christian gatherings. And used to build up the church rather than cause confusion.
Wrap-up.
The tongue gift is for all believers. If you have recieved the Holy ghost and you don’t yet speak in tongues, I think you would find this article very helpful. We discussed several pointers and highlighted certain limitations that could be holding you back.
