God wants us to understand spiritual gifts and how they work. “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant…” (1 Corinthians 12:1), therefore, we should understand God’s gift of tongues because it is a gift God gives. But we must study to understand what God’s Word teaches, for “no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). The Bible’s teaching on the gift of tongues is harmonious. It is not a collection of contradictory statements. “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
When addressing spiritual gifts, Paul tells us that God is the giver of the gifts, and since God is not divided, neither is His manner of giving them. “There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:5-6). The message of the Bible is unified to declare truth clearly so all can understand. Therefore, the Bible’s teaching on the gift of tongues will be clear so that we can understand it, and it will be useful to help the church in its mission to share the gospel. “For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8).
The first principle to consider when studying the gift of tongues is that the Bible’s instruction about this gift is written with the intention of limiting the unhindered use of the gift. What Paul says about speaking in tongues places this gift in an inferior position relative to other spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 we read about Paul correcting the believers’ errors in magnifying the gift of tongues to a place of undeserved supremacy in their worship. Note how Paul elevated the gift of prophecy above the gift of tongues. “I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied” (1 Corinthians 14:5).
Paul didn’t tell us that there should be no speaking in tongues, but he taught that clearly understandable communication about the gospel (he uses the phrase “with my understanding”) is the most important thing Christians can do, even more important than speaking another language. “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:18-19).
In the first words of verse 26, see how Paul questions the worship practices of the Corinthians in relation to the confusion in their gatherings. “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” Their worship was disorganized, including members speaking in a language no one else understood. That kind of behavior in church was confusing, and it didn’t help anyone understand God’s Word. Paul had come to them first with gentleness (1 Corinthians 4:21), then he firmly corrected their faults relating to worship. Since the same issue doesn’t recur in 2 Corinthians, it appears they wisely took Paul’s guidance.
Principle #1 regarding the gift of tongues: The purpose of the gift of tongues is for proclaiming the gospel message to people so they can hear and understand.
In Mark 16:17, we read, “And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues….” This text in Mark is part of the Great Commission to share the gospel. The gift of tongues is to be used for the purpose of the Jesus’ Great Commission to “teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The one who hears what we teach must be able to understand it, or our teaching will be of no use. That is the only way they will be able to respond. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
When Paul describes the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:7, he says that “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all….” In other words, each of the gifts must be useful to the church. A language that no one can understand is not useful to the church because no one would understand the message. It would be distracting noise. Verses 8-11 describe the gifts that will be useful in the church: “for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” Each of these gifts given by the Holy Spirit are intended to be a real benefit when they are used. The Holy Spirit also inspired the Bible in language that could be understood and is a benefit to everyone who reads it (2 Peter 1:21).
In the list Paul just gave, he described the gift of tongues with the phrase, “different kinds of tongues.” It is important to note that nowhere in the Bible in the Greek text is the word “unknown” associated with the gift of tongues. We are not to add the idea of non-human language to these tongues because the Bible doesn’t describe them that way.
There are many “different kinds of tongues” (or languages) spoken on Earth, but they are all human languages. The word “tongues” in the Bible is defined as a language. Language is using sound to share a message that is intelligible. God doesn’t give people the power to proclaim the gospel in languages no one will know or understand. That wouldn’t help spread the gospel. Instead, God gives power to share the gospel using the many different languages in which people need to hear.
1 Corinthians 14:10 gives further evidence that the tongues Paul is referring to are understandable human languages: “There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.” The languages in the world are those understood by the many people groups in all places. Each of those people groups is significant and must be reached by the gospel in a way they can understand.
The purpose of the gift of tongues is not to make a demonstration inside the church to people who already believe. God gives the gift of tongues to convict the hearts of unbelievers with the message of the gospel that they can hear and understand. “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe” (1 Corinthians 14:22). Hearing the message in their own language is one way God gives evidence of the divine power that accompanies the gospel. Psalm 119:130 says, “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Giving light and understanding only takes place when the gospel message is clear and understandable.
Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, may have been empowered supernaturally with this gift to take the Gospel to India. Likewise, many of Jesus’ disciples traveled to foreign lands to share the gospel among people whose language they had not studied. Today, the gift is not needed as an evangelistic tool in the same way as in those early days because of the rise of new technologies and widespread accessible information. Translation apps, language learning tools, and the availability of translators provide many ways to reach foreign cultures with some effort on our part.
Principle #2 regarding the gift of tongues: The gift of Tongues that is given supernaturally by the Holy Spirit has no need for an interpreter.
When God gave a supernatural ability to speak in another language, no one needed to interpret, because the listeners understood in their own native language. This means that the divinely enabled gift of tongues is never used alongside the gift of interpretation because there is no need for a translator when God gives the ability to speak in someone else’s language.
The realization of this gift in the New Testament church began in Acts 2:1-8: “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?’”
In this experience, the Holy Spirit descended upon each of the disciples TO SPEAK in a foreign tongue that was understood by unbelievers gathered in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit did not descend upon each hearer to translate the disciples’ Galilean speech. Since the speakers were given the gift to speak in a language others understood, the gift of tongues did not require an interpreter. Each listener heard the Word preached in their native language. And it wasn’t just Peter who received this gift. All of Jesus’ disciples spoke in the language of one of the groups of foreigners still gathered in Jerusalem.
Principle #3 regarding the gift of tongues: There is a gift of tongues that comes either through culture or through study.
In addition to supernatural endowment of skill, God works by enabling us to learn. He has given us an intellect so we can study with determined effort. By study and practice we can learn another language for the purpose of sharing the gospel. Paul refers to this kind of gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.”
Considering Paul’s instruction in this text, first we remember that the tongues Paul is indicating are not “unknown” tongues. The word “unknown” is never associated with the gift of tongues in the Bible. Some translations add the word “unknown” which is not present in the Greek text. Paul is referring to a human language that someone is speaking in church. If this were the Holy Spirit’s supernatural gift of tongues, there would be no need for an interpreter because the Holy Spirit enables people to speak in languages others will understand without needing a translator. Since Paul also mentions an interpreter, we know he is talking about people speaking a different human language in church that no one else can understand or translate. It is either their own native language or a language they have studied.
The city of Corinth was a popular seaport city where people of many different languages gathered together. Guests or members of the church in Corinth likely represented a variety of different language groups. They may have wanted to speak in a language that others present couldn’t understand without a translator. Paul instructs the church to not speak in another language in church when no one else is there to translate what you are saying.
Principle #4 regarding the gift of tongues: The Holy Spirit also gives the gift of interpreting tongues.
Sometimes, instead of enabling people to speak a foreign language, or when the preacher has not studied to learn the language of the audience, an interpreter is needed to translate the message. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 12:10, “…to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”
In this text, the ability to interpret what is spoken in another language is a gift of the Spirit, either divinely enabled or a learned ability. This gift enables translation into the language of the audience so the message of the evangelist can be understood.
The gift of tongues and the gift of interpreting are separate and are never used together. They never need to be. The gift of tongues means that the speaker speaks in a language the people understand, so no interpreter is needed. This was the case in Acts 2:8 when the people of different countries heard Jesus’ disciples speaking in their own language without the need of an interpreter. The gift of interpretation is used when the speaker does not have the gift of tongues. God promised that the gift of interpretation would be given, so there is no reason to believe that it was not present in the early church.
How does the gift of interpretation (or translation) work? It takes place when someone speaks Bible truths in their own language, using their own words and expressions to explain God’s Word. When they pause, a translator who understands both the language of the speaker and the audience translates what the speaker just said into the audience’s language. The person with the gift of interpretation is not listening to someone speaking an unknown language. They are translating from the known human tongue that the speaker is familiar with. The speaker is always in control of what he speaks because He is speaking his own native language.
Biblical examples of the gift of tongues
The Example of Cornelius in Acts 10:44-47: “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,‘Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’”
When Cornelius and those with him received the filling of the Holy Spirit, they spoke in a language that was new to them. This language was understood by those present, in this case, Peter and other believers. Since they could understand the words that were being used to magnify God, they knew that the Holy Spirit had given this supernatural power to speak. They praised God because Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit in the same way the disciples had in Acts 2. The evidence that confirmed this to Peter and the believers was that Cornelius was praising God, and they could understand him plainly with no need of an interpreter. In this story, the tongues that were given by the Holy Spirit in this text are not described as “unknown” tongues.
The example of Apollos in Acts 19:1-6: “…When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”
Like the previous example, this is the same thing that happened to the believers in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit gave them the gift of tongues, and they used it to “prophecy” and preach to the people around them. When the Holy Spirit was received by these disciples, they manifested the same gifts: prophecy and tongues so that others could understand.
What about “angelic tongues” or a “prayer language”?
An angelic tongue refers to a language that is unknown on Earth. It is not just unknown to the people nearby, it is completely unfamiliar to all of humanity. When examining the Bible text that refers to an angelic language, remember that “unknown” is never a word used with tongues in the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 13:1, Paul writes, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”
In this text, Paul is using hyperbole, expressing his message in an exaggerated way to make a strong point. We know this because Paul says, “Though I speak….” Another way to say this would be, “Even if I were to speak….” Paul uses the same way of speaking later in the chapter when he says, “…though I give my body to be burned…” (1 Corinthians 13:3). We know that Paul did not give his body to be burned. Nowhere in Paul’s writings does he describe an experience where he spoke in an angelic language that no one, including himself, could understand. In 1 Corinthians 14:18 Paul says “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all.” Paul here is referring to the languages he could speak without the need of an interpreter, Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. If God enabled Paul to speak other languages among people he visited, those would be included as well.
Since those who claim to speak in angelic languages are completely unique in their tongue, are we to understand that there is no unified angelic language, that angels in Heaven have become divided the way God divided the builders of the tower of Babel? When angels appeared to humans in the Bible, they didn’t speak a language that is foreign to Earth. Instead, they spoke and understood a recognizable language without an interpreter. There is no need for speaking in an angelic language, because angels already understand everything we say. In fact, the only ancient examples of unrecognizable languages were the “Oracles,” such as the Oracle at Delphi. In these pagan shrines, girls were placed under the influence of toxic vapors and demonic trances. As a result, they spoke in ecstatic tongues that were unrecognizable. Pagan priests claimed to interpret these unintelligible messages. By contrast, God’s worship was to be separate from these experiences, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Several Bible texts have been used as evidence of humans speaking a heavenly language. The first is Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” In this text, it is the Holy Spirit who is praying. It is not the Christian believer who speaks in a heavenly language.
Two more texts that are used to describe believers speaking in an unknown heavenly language are found in 1 Corinthians 14. The first is verse 2, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” In this chapter, Paul is not talking about a private prayer language. He is addressing the church about what goes on in their public worship. Paul says that no one else in the congregation can understand someone who speaks in a foreign language they do not understand. No one else can benefit from it except the speaker and God. The message is a mystery to those who are listening. It’s like talking into the wind when no one speaks your language. Paul’s counsel is to not speak in this way, but to be quiet and let someone speak who people can understand (see verse 28).
Then in 1 Corinthians 14:14-15, Paul writes, “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” Here, Paul says “IF I pray in a tongue….” He presents a hypothetical situation that they can picture, where one member of the congregation prays or sings in a human language that others don’t understand. The speaker understands what he is saying, but it is not useful to his mind to speak as a matter of display, and it is not useful for building up the church. Remember, Paul is giving a message of correction to the Corinthians. He is correcting their habit of praying in such a way that no one can understand the words. Paul’s question “what is the conclusion then?” is simply asking the Corinthians which way they will choose to pray. The answer is that it should not be two separate prayers, one that you can understand and one that you can’t. Our words among the congregation of believers should be understandable, otherwise we are to be quiet.
Finally, is speaking in tongues the only evidence of the Holy Spirit?
The Bible describes that the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people. There is not a single indication of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. “…for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” (1 Corinthians 12:28-30). The Bible makes it clear that not all people will speak in a foreign language.
Instead, we are told that there are many fruits that are produced in the Christian’s life. “Therefore by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20). “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
When there is no need to share the gospel message, the purpose of the gift of tongues will no longer exist. “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:8). In Heaven, we will learn to communicate according to God’s perfect plan. Human language will reflect the power of intellect God originally gave to the human race. The rich variety of language to express the beauties of God’s love will have no end, because words could never be adequate to convey all there is to understand about who God is.