Speaking in Tongues: What Is It and Should Believers Speak in Tongues ?

All Christians who study God’s Word agree that the gift of speaking in tongues exists in the Bible. In the New Testament, two lists of spiritual gifts include the gift of tongues. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, “various kinds of tongues” and “the interpretation of tongues” are described as one of the highest gifts of the Holy Spirit. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, the list of spiritual gifts mentions “various kinds of tongues.”

The Greek word used in the Bible for speaking in tongues is “glōssolalia”, which comes from two Greek words: glōssa (language or tongue) and lalia (speech). Therefore, it literally means speaking in tongues or languages. Linguistics, or glossology, is the study and classification of languages and dialects.

When our Lord prophesied about the gift of tongues (the only explicit mention occurs in the four Gospels), He said:

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” — Mark 16:17

The adjective “new” here indicates that the languages spoken were new to the believers, meaning languages they had never learned or used before. For example, if I say Chinese is “new” to me, it does not mean I am unaware that such a language exists, but that it is new to me because I cannot speak or understand it.

In Acts 2:4, Luke uses a different adjective, saying, “And they began to speak in other tongues.” Here, “other” simply refers to a language different from the common language they normally used. The context confirms this, as the reaction of the listeners was one of amazement:

“They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our own native language?’” — Acts 2:7-8

Here, the word “language” is translated from the Greek dialektos, which gives us the term “dialect.” Both glōssa (language) and dialektos (dialect) are used interchangeably, indicating that the disciples were speaking in languages other than their native tongue. Verses 9-11 identify these languages. This was a miraculous event, enabling the disciples to speak languages they had never learned.

Some argue that the tongues spoken in Acts 2 were not human languages. However, the passage clearly indicates that the audience could understand the message in their own language. This suggests two simultaneous gifts: the ability to speak in other tongues and the ability for listeners to hear it in their own language through the Holy Spirit. There is no other biblical record describing a separate gift of “translation for unbelievers.”

The apostles preached the gospel to people in their own native languages. The crowd exclaimed:

“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” — Acts 2:11

Paul also emphasizes the purpose of miraculous gifts in 1 Corinthians 14:

“Brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or instruction?” — 1 Corinthians 14:6

According to Paul, speaking in tongues is valuable for the speaker, but it serves little purpose for the congregation unless it is interpreted.

In the context of general church assemblies, the gift of tongues appears to have a distinct purpose. It was given by the Holy Spirit to certain believers for the praise of God (1 Corinthians 12:10, 30; 14:2). Public use of tongues in the congregation should only occur if someone can interpret the message into the common language so that everyone can benefit.

Speaking in unintelligible tongues without interpretation is essentially meaningless to listeners, similar to producing noise rather than a melody on a musical instrument, or blowing a bugle without giving the soldiers any instructions. The key principle is purposeful communication.

Believers should desire gifts that edify others and strengthen faith. If someone has the gift of tongues, they should also pray for the gift of interpretation. The focus should always be on the benefit of the congregation. If the listeners cannot understand what is being said, they cannot learn or grow spiritually. Paul appreciates the gift of tongues, but he prefers that the church speak in a common language that instructs and strengthens believers (1 Corinthians 14:18-19).

Therefore, those who speak in tongues should also pray for the ability to interpret. If no interpreter is available, the person should remain silent in the church and communicate privately with God in their own heart. — 1 Corinthians 14:13, 28