Speaking in Tongues in the Bible - What the Verses Say

On the day of Pentecost, speaking in tongues was first mentioned in the Bible as a spiritual gift, and it has been a topic of debate and discussion among Christians for centuries. It’s a practice that has been debated and discussed among Christians for centuries.

This article will investigate the Biblical passages concerning this remarkable occurrence and elucidate its significance.

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Table of Contents

What is Speaking in Tongues in the Bible?

Also known as Glossolalia, this is a spiritual phenomenon mentioned in the Bible, where a person speaks in a language that is unknown to them. This gift is believed to be given by the Holy Spirit; we find mentions of it in many Bible verses.

Apostle Paul describes tongues as a form of communication with God, not with people. They are speaking mysteries that no one else understands but the speaker himself. This is why an interpreter is needed in order for the church to be built up.

This distinct communication with God in a way that goes beyond human understanding. It can also be a sign for unbelievers. The use of unknown languages is often accompanied by being filled with the Holy Spirit and can be seen as a sign of spiritual maturity.

If you’d like to read more on the practice of Glossolalia, click on the button below:

The Practice of Glossolalia (Speak in Tongues): Genuine Faith

The Spiritual Gift of Speaking in Tongues in the Bible

The New Testament contains numerous passages in regards to the gift of tongues; it’s one of the many divine gifts for believers in the name of the Lord Jesus. The objective is to build up and strengthen the church.

According to Paul’s writings, there exist numerous sacred endowments of equal significance: “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.”

Speaking in tongues on the Day of Pentecost

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus were gathered together in a room when suddenly, a sound like a rushing wind came from heaven and filled the entire house. Tongues of fire appeared over the heads of each disciple, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in different languages, and a crowd of people gathered outside, amazed to hear the disciples talking in their own languages.

Peter then addressed the crowd, explaining that what was happening was the fulfillment of prophecy; he urged them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. That day, about three thousand people were added to the church, and the Holy Spirit continued to work powerfully through the lives of the disciples.

The gift of tongues can manifest in the form of speaking in real human languages that the speaker does not know. The Holy Spirit gave the disciples the ability to speak in these languages so that people from different regions and cultures could understand the message of the gospel.

day of pentecost — Fresco of the pentecostal dove (representing Holy Spirit) at the Karlskirche in Vienna, Austria

Gift of Tongues vs. Prophecy

In his letters to Corinthians, Paul compares speaking in tongues and prophesying. He says that prophecy is a greater gift because it is more beneficial to the church.

He explains that when someone prophesies, it edifies the church, but when someone speaks in tongues, it only edifies themselves.

Bible Verses About Speaking in Tongues

The Bible has several verses that mention speaking in tongues. One of the most famous stories about it is in the book of Acts, chapter 2, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). This event marked the birth of the Christian church.

^{Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash}

In 1 Corinthians 14, the apostle Paul gives instructions about the gift of tongues in the church. He explains that this should be done for the edification of the church, and if there is no translator, then the person should speak to themselves and to God.

1 Corinthians

1:4-7

4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

12:7

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

12:8-11

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12:30

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

13:1

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

14:13

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14:1-28

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

14:33-34

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

Source: KJV

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Mark 16:16-18

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Acts

2:1-4

1 Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them.

4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.

2:6-11

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

10:44-46

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

19:6

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Romans 8:26-27

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Source: KJV

Isaiah 28:11

11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

Jeremiah 33:3

3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Source: KJV

Speaking in Tongues for Unbelievers

One of the purposes of the tongues is to communicate with God in a way that is beyond human understanding. However, there is also a purpose for speaking in tongues for unbelievers.

In 1 Corinthians 14:22, it says, “Tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers.”

This means that this can be sign to unbelievers that there is something supernatural happening.

The Role of the Interpreter

As mentioned earlier, if someone speaks in tongues in the church, there should be an interpreter so that the church can be built up.

That’s why Paul emphasizes the importance of interpretation – if someone speaks in tongues, there should be someone who can interpret what they are saying for the benefit of the congregation.

This allows everyone to be edified and encouraged, rather than just a select few who can understand the language.

Did Paul Speak in Tongues at his Conversion?

There is no clear indication in the Bible that Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, experienced speaking in tongues at his conversion. The narrative of Paul’s conversion is recounted in Acts 9:1-19 without any reference to him speaking in tongues. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that he might have been bestowed with this divine ability in the past, even though it remains unmentioned in the scriptures. In Corinthians 13:1, Paul himself refers to speaking with the tongues of the angels.

Paul did mention speaking in tongues in his letters to the Corinthians, where he gave instructions on how to use this gift in a way that benefits the whole church.

The False Beliefs on Speaking in Tongues

There have been false teachings and misconceptions surrounding speaking in tongues. One common false teaching is that to speak in a tongue is necessary for salvation. Another is that it stands as proof of being baptized with the Holy Spirit. However, there is no evidence of that in the Bible.

Another false teaching is that speaking in tongues is a requirement for spiritual maturity or growth. However, the Bible teaches that no one gift is more important than the other among the gifts that are given to believers. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians we read that the main objective should be to pursue love and utilize divine gifts in a manner that benefits the entire congregation.

The tongues should not be used to show off or draw attention to oneself. When believers gather, everything should be done for the building up of the church, and everything should be done decently and in order.

The Meaning of Speaking in Tongues

Based on the interpretation in Acts 15, speaking in tongues can be seen as a means of prophetic empowerment for the mission of spreading the gospel to all peoples and cultures.

It is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence and can be used to communicate God’s message beyond the limitations of human language.

Speaking in tongues is not meant to be a form of self-glorification but rather a way to edify oneself and build up one’s faith. It is a unique form of prayer that expresses deep emotions and feelings to God.

Through speaking in tongues, the Spirit empowers individuals to cross cultural barriers and spread the message of Jesus to all people, promoting unity and diversity within the Christian faith.

Speaking in Tongues as a Reversal of Babel

Many scholars believe that the phenomenon of speaking in tongues in Acts 2 can be seen as a reversal of the Babel story in Genesis 11. In the Babel story, God scattered the people and confused their languages as a punishment for their attempt to reach heaven and become like God.

In contrast, in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descends and empowers the apostles and other believers to speak in different languages, enabling them to spread the message of the gospel across cultural and linguistic barriers. This reversal of Babel is seen as a symbol of the new unity and diversity in the church that transcends human divisions.

This interpretation is supported by various allusions and parallels between the two stories, including the use of a table of nations and the scattering of languages. Overall, the phenomenon of speaking in tongues in Acts 2 is seen as a powerful symbol of God’s power to overcome human divisions and unite people of diverse backgrounds in a common purpose.

Speaking in Tongues vs. Xenoglossy

Speaking in tongues and xenoglossy are two terms that are often confused with one another. Speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, is a phenomenon in which individuals speak in a language that is not necessarily understood by others, but is believed to be a sacred language inspired by the Holy Spirit.

On the other hand, xenoglossy is the ability to speak in a foreign language that has not been learned through normal processes. While both of these experiences involve speaking in languages that are not commonly used in day-to-day communication, they are distinct phenomena.

Glossolalia is typically practiced in religious contexts, while xenoglossy is considered a rare and unexplained ability that is sometimes associated with paranormal or supernatural activity. It is important to differentiate between these two terms to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.

Speaking with the Tongues in Modern Christianity

Speaking in tongues has been a subject of controversy and fascination for centuries, and it continues to be a significant part of religious practices in modern times. While the practice has its roots in the New Testament and was prominent in the first century, it largely disappeared as a significant part of Christian worship by the second century. However, in the 20th century, the practice of speaking in tongues experienced a revival, particularly in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

Despite its controversial nature, scientists have studied the practice of speaking in tongues and have found that it is not simply gibberish or nonsense. Linguists have discovered that the sounds articulated by speakers have structure and patterns, and that speaking in tongues is a proto-language, a means of verbalizing religious experience that differs from real language by its limited number of vowels and consonants.

In modern times, speaking in tongues is seen as a form of sacred language spoken under the influence of the Holy Spirit by believers. The practice is often associated with the baptism of the Holy Spirit, an experience that some Christians believe brings them into a holy state. While some view speaking in tongues as a normative experience of the Christian life, others denounce it as a false form of piety.

The Charismatic movement

The Charismatic movement, which began in the 1960s, brought speaking in tongues to older Protestant denominations and Catholicism. This movement, which saw a significant growth in the practice of speaking in tongues, did not happen without significant opposition from church leaders who denounced it as false.

Nevertheless, studies conducted in the 1970s showed that Charismatic believers scored higher on mental health scales than the general public, and laid to rest earlier suggestions that involvement in Pentecostalism and speaking in tongues were signs of psychological pathology.

It has been challenging for the movement to accept this scientific data since speaking in tongues was believed to be a direct way in which God interacted with His congregations.

In conclusion, speaking in tongues continues to be a significant part of religious practices in modern times. While its controversial nature has led to opposition from some church leaders, others view it as a normative experience of the Christian life. Scientific studies have shown that speaking in tongues is not simply gibberish or nonsense, but a proto-language used to verbalize religious experience

Conclusion

As the Bible says, speaking in tongues is a divine gift given by the Holy Spirit to believers. It is the act of speaking in a language that is unknown to the speaker; it is meant for the edification of the church.

While there is still debate and differing opinions among Christians regarding tongues, it is important to remember that Paul stressed the importance of using them in a way that builds up the church and benefits the whole body of believers.

Sources:

Burgess, Stanley M., ed. The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002.

Goodman, Felecitas D. Speaking in Tongues: A Cross-Cultural Study in Glossolalia. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1972.

Kildahl, John P. The Psychology of Speaking in Tongues. New York: Harper & Row, 1972.

Melton, J. Gordon. The Encyclopedia of Religious Phenomena. Visible Ink Press, 2008.

Samarin, William J. Tongues of Men and Angels. The Religious Language of Pentecostalism. New York: Macmillan Company, 1972.

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