What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues?
The Bible describes speaking in tongues as a Spirit-given ability to communicate in languages one has not learned naturally. In Acts 2, this gift is presented as known foreign languages miraculously spoken so that people from many nations could hear the Gospel in their own tongue.
Yet, in 1 Corinthians 12–14, Paul offers a broader picture. He describes tongues as “various kinds of tongues,” which could include both human languages and possibly heavenly or angelic speech. In this way, the Bible frames speaking in tongues not simply as a linguistic phenomenon but as a supernatural act of the Holy Spirit.
2. What Are the Different Biblical Expressions of Tongues?
From the biblical record, we can identify at least two main expressions of speaking in tongues:
Foreign languages for Gospel proclamation – As in Acts 2, where the miracle served evangelistic purposes.
Spirit-inspired prayer or praise – As in 1 Corinthians 14, where tongues express mysteries to God, often in private or with interpretation in public worship.
This shows that the Bible recognizes multiple ways the gift can function—sometimes as a sign to unbelievers, other times as a means of intimate communion with God.
3. Why Does Paul Emphasize Interpretation in the Bible?
Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 14 are clear: in a public gathering, speaking in tongues must be accompanied by interpretation. Without interpretation, the congregation cannot be edified, and the message remains unintelligible.
Paul’s concern reflects a broader biblical principle—spiritual gifts are given for the building up of the body of Christ. Tongues, when interpreted, become a means of strengthening, encouraging, and comforting the church. Without interpretation, they are better suited for personal prayer.
4. Does the Bible Teach That All Believers Should Speak in Tongues?
The Bible does not require all Christians to speak in tongues. Paul’s rhetorical questions in 1 Corinthians 12:29–30—“Do all speak in tongues?”—expect the answer “No.”
Instead, tongues are one of many spiritual gifts given as the Spirit wills. Some believers may never receive this gift, yet they are no less Spirit-filled or vital to the church’s mission. The diversity of gifts reflects God’s design for a unified but multi-gifted body.
5. What Is the Private Role of Speaking in Tongues?
Paul acknowledges that speaking in tongues can be deeply valuable for private prayer and personal edification. In 1 Corinthians 14:4, he writes, “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself.”
Private tongues can function as a way of expressing what words cannot capture, allowing the believer’s spirit to communicate directly with God. This dimension shows the personal, devotional value of the gift, even apart from public gatherings.
6. How Does the Bible Guard Against Misuse of Tongues?
The Bible warns against disorderly use of tongues. In Corinth, uncontrolled or competitive displays of the gift threatened the church’s unity. Paul responded by setting boundaries:
No more than two or three should speak in tongues during a service.
Each must take turns.
An interpreter must be present.
These safeguards ensure that speaking in tongues remains a blessing, not a distraction, and that it aligns with God’s character as a God of peace and order.
7. Are Tongues in the Bible Human or Angelic Languages?
Debate continues among scholars and Christians about whether biblical tongues are always human languages or can also be angelic. Paul’s phrase in 1 Corinthians 13:1—“tongues of men and of angels”—leaves the door open for heavenly speech.
Some view tongues as purely earthly languages given for proclamation; others see them as including Spirit-enabled expressions beyond human comprehension. The Bible does not offer a rigid definition, but it affirms that both forms can glorify God when used appropriately.
8. How Does Speaking in Tongues Relate to the Gospel?
Speaking in tongues highlights the Gospel’s global scope. In Acts 2, it reversed the division of Babel by uniting people of different languages in the praise of God. In the present age, tongues testify that the Spirit is already gathering people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into Christ’s Kingdom.
This gift also points forward to the ultimate restoration when all voices will join in perfect harmony to praise the Lamb (Revelation 7:9–10). In this sense, the Bible frames speaking in tongues as both a present blessing and a prophetic sign of the age to come.
9. How Should Christians Approach Speaking in Tongues Today?
A biblically faithful approach to speaking in tongues requires:
Openness to the Spirit’s gifts – Recognizing tongues as a legitimate gift for today.
Submission to biblical guidelines – Ensuring the gift is exercised with interpretation in public.
Pursuit of love over display – Following Paul’s teaching that love, not any single gift, is the measure of spiritual maturity.
Whether one speaks in tongues or not, every believer is called to build up the body, proclaim the Gospel, and glorify Christ in all things.
Conclusion
The Bible presents speaking in tongues as a real and valuable gift of the Holy Spirit, designed for both private devotion and public edification when interpreted. It is not required of all believers, but it remains a Spirit-empowered way to glorify God and serve the church.
By following the biblical guidelines—valuing love, order, and mutual edification—Christians can embrace the gift without division. Speaking in tongues is not an end in itself but a means of drawing closer to God, blessing His people, and bearing witness to the unifying power of the Gospel.
Bible Verses About Speaking in Tongues
Acts 2:4 – “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:6 – “Each one was hearing them speak in his own language.”
1 Corinthians 12:10 – “To another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”
1 Corinthians 12:30 – “Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”
1 Corinthians 13:1 – “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love…”
1 Corinthians 14:2 – “One who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God.”
1 Corinthians 14:4 – “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself.”
1 Corinthians 14:5 – “I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy.”
1 Corinthians 14:27 – “If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.”
1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
