What the Bible Says About Tongues
Several places in the Bible mention speaking in tongues or the gift of tongues. The original Greek word is glossolalia, combining the word for tongue (glossa) and speak (laleo). Most traditions describe tongues as being a spiritual language that transcends manmade languages. The purpose of tongues varies in different places—it’s described as a spiritual gift, a form of prayer, and a sign of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
The use of tongues is primarily maintained through certain groups of believers, specifically churches associated with Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Apostolic movements. In these instances, the gift of tongues is often seen as the evidence that one has received the baptism of the Spirit and views it as a mark of salvation. These views are often derived from key events in the book of Acts (specifically chapters 10 and 19), where groups of newly saved believers would receive the Spirit and begin speaking in tongues.
However, many other denominations and movements wouldn’t classify speaking in tongues as a necessary mark of salvation, as the Bible doesn’t explicitly state this as a requirement or sign of salvation.
Where Is the First Use of Tongues in the Bible?
The first time tongues is mentioned in the Bible is in Acts 2. While the disciples remain in Jerusalem after Jesus’ crucifixion, a rushing wind fills the room they’re in and flaming tongues appear over each of their heads. Onlookers came and marveled at hearing this group of Galilleans speaking in all of their native languages:
On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” – Acts 2:1-11 NLT
This instance of tongues is distinct from other references to the gift of tongues. Here, the disciples' words were discerned by all of the listeners in their own language and would be used by Peter to preach the Gospel message to all of the Jews gathered in Jerusalem who spoke different languages. The gift of tongues, briefly explained in other places in the New Testament, is presented with a different understanding of its form and function.
What Is the Gift of Tongues?
There are only a few mentions of the gift of tongues in the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 12-14, the Apostle Paul is discussing spiritual gifts and miracles within the Body, and says, “For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church” (1 Corinthians 14:2-4 NLT).
Paul goes on to explain that the gift of tongues should be done sparingly, and requires an interpreter. An interpreter is another believer who has been given the supernatural ability by God to translate in the moment. Even the one speaking in tongues does not understand what is being said, and should endeavor to also pray in a language they can understand (1 Corinthians 14:13-15).
Tongues is explained to be less beneficial than other gifts, such as prophecy, because it is not easily received or applied by others. For this reason, Paul tells us that the gift of tongues is used as a sign to non-believers of the Spirit of God and is not a primary means for edifying, encouraging, or educating the Church. Even still, Paul warns of the danger of unbelievers coming into the church gathering and being confused at the use of tongues, thus creating a hindrance to connecting with God through the gathering.
For this reason, the Bible encourages us to lean into the other spiritual gifts that are promised through the Holy Spirit.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
The Bible teaches that there are ways believers can serve one another in love. Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4 all offer a list of spiritual gifts at work in the Church today.
While believers may show attributes from several or all of these areas, spiritual gifts are supernatural extensions and demonstrations of them. Spiritual gifts may change over time, but it’s important to remember that they are all useful to the body and should be used for the benefit of others and to glorify God.
