The Gift of Tongues – Understanding God’s Supernatural Language
Hover over or Tap the red scripture references to view content.
Of all the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit, tongues are the most contested. In the Old Testament we see seven gifts; in the New Testament the Lord entrusts two further gifts to the Church—tongues and interpretation. Why the addition? In Israel, God’s presence was publicly manifest in a pillar of cloud; today His people are scattered across the world, and these two gifts serve as experiential signs of His supernatural presence among us.
If the Gifts of the Holy Spirit were given to the Church to encourage, strengthen, enlighten, heal, and provide every means necessary to overcome, then surely the enemy will do everything in his power to deceive, destroy, and corrupt those gifts. Today, the Gift of Tongues is largely neglected—even within many charismatic circles—and is often looked down upon or misunderstood. However, I believe this gift forms the foundation for all the other gifts of the Spirit.
When the Church began on the Day of Pentecost, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit two thousand years ago, the enemy tried relentlessly to destroy it through persecution—slaughtering Christians by every possible means. Yet, despite the persecution, the Church grew stronger daily. When direct attacks failed, the enemy changed his strategy and sought instead to infiltrate the Church around AD 300.
Jesus warned us about this when He described the Kingdom of God. He said that the wheat and the tares would grow together until the end of the age, when they would finally be separated. He also taught that the mustard seed would grow into a large tree where the birds—the enemy—would come and make their nests.
When we consider the Gifts of the Holy Spirit today, we can easily become discouraged because of the misuse and abuse that often surround them. Yet, despite all the deception, we trust that there remains a pure and holy work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we seek the Gifts in truth, to build up and strengthen the Body of Christ.
1) The Promise
The gift of tongues is promised in Scripture.
Isa 28:11
For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people.
Paul, by the Spirit, receives this as prophetic of tongues. He quotes the following:
1 Cor 14:21
In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.
And our Lord affirms the same promise:
Mark 16:17
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.
Some note that the last twelve verses of Mark are absent from Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, which date to around AD 400. Yet early church fathers such as Irenaeus (AD 140–202) and Hippolytus (AD 170–235) quote these verses. Therefore, these verses of Mark’s Gospel must have been part of the original text from earlier manuscripts.
2) The Fulfilment
Promise becomes reality in Acts.
Act 2:1–4
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.
It can be translated, “as the Spirit gave them the ability” or “as the Spirit prompted their speech.”
Act 2:6
And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and was confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
Jews from across the world came to Jerusalem for Pentecost, one of three annual feasts every Jewish man was required to attend. These foreigners heard the Jews declaring the wonderful works of God in their own languages.
The Spirit led Peter to the house of Cornellius, and here the manifestation of speaking in tongues came upon the Gentile believers.
Act 10:44–46
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.
Paul came to the church at Ephesus and saw that there was a lacking in the church, and he asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit?”
Act 19:1–6
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples, he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 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.
3) The Purpose of Tongues
a) Aid to prayer and worship
1 Cor 14:2,4
“He who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God… in the spirit he speaks mysteries… He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.
Paul said that no one understands a person speaking in tongues. Yet in Acts 2, everyone heard the disciples declaring God’s wonderful works in their own languages. How do we reconcile this?
This leads us to conclude that there are two types of tongues. One is the sign gift of tongues — a known language or dialect. The other is a prayer language. Here, in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul is referring to this prayer language which God gives to believers to assist them in their spiritual communication with Him.
In 1 Corinthians 13, while emphasising the supremacy of love, Paul said, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels…” The tongues of men would be known dialects — the sign tongues that can be understood by others. The tongues of angels would refer to the prayer language — a heavenly language unknown to human understanding.
1 Cor 14:14–15
“If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful… I will pray with the spirit… I will sing with the spirit…”
Paul both prayed and sang in tongues—yet was careful:
1 Cor 14:19
“In the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding… than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
Still, he adds:
1 Cor 14:18
“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.”
Tongues, then, are primarily Godward: prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and intercession empowered by the Spirit.
b) Edification
Another purpose of speaking in tongues is to edify the believer.
The word edify means “to build up” or “to strengthen.” Paul explains that when a person speaks in tongues, he edifies himself — he is spiritually strengthened, refreshed, and renewed in the inner man through the work of the Holy Spirit.
1 Cor 14:4
“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
This defines the self-edifying nature of praying or speaking in tongues.
Jude 1:20
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”Rom 8:26–27
“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…”
This passage reveals how the Holy Spirit intercedes through us — often linked to the function of tongues — strengthening and aligning our prayers with God’s will.
4) Spiritual Realities Are Spiritually Discerned
The new birth ushers us into realities the natural mind cannot process.
1 Cor 2:14
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
It’s like trying to describe the beauty of a symphony to a deaf man.
He cannot hear the rise and fall of the melody; he lacks the very faculties that make the music come alive.
Or try to paint for a blind man the radiant colours of a sunset — the golds, the reds, the fire that dances across the sky. He cannot see it; he has no frame of reference to understand.
And so it is with the natural man. He lacks the spiritual faculties to grasp the things of God. That is why we sometimes struggle to explain to others the joy and peace we carry deep within — because how can they relate to something they have never experienced?
To them, the things of the Spirit are foolishness.
But the one who is spiritual — he understands these things, even though he himself may not be understood by the world.
Until you taste it for yourself, I cannot describe it to you.
Imagine travelling to Africa a hundred years ago, coming across a tribe who have never seen or heard of chocolate. You take a bite and say, “Oh, this tastes so good!” — but they stare at you in confusion. They have never tasted chocolate; they have no idea what sweetness you’re talking about.
And so it is with the things of God.
There are experiences, there are feelings, and there is a joy that cannot be explained — a joy unspeakable and full of glory!
1 Pet 1:8
“You rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”Ps 34:8
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good…”Eph 3:19
“To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge…”
Our words often fail before the greatness of God; tongues provide a Spirit-given vocabulary when ordinary language runs out.
5) Order, Peace, and Freedom
Paul holds three truths together:
1 Cor 14:40
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”1 Cor 14:33
“God is not the author of confusion but of peace…”1 Cor 14:39
“Do not forbid to speak with tongues.”
The Church must neither suppress the gift nor allow disorder. We welcome the Spirit’s ministry and shepherd it wisely.
6) Are Tongues for Today?
The New Testament shows the gifts carrying on until Christ’s return, not ending with
the apostles or the Bible’s completion.
1 Cor 1:7
Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Cor 13:8-10
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. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
Therefore the gifts like prophecies and tongues will cease when that which is perfect has come and we see Him face to face.
1 Cor 13:12
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
Moreover, Peter proclaims:
Act 2:38–39
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call”.
And Joel foresees an ongoing outpouring:
Joel 2:28-31
And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also, on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
Tongues, therefore, remain a gift for the Church today.
7) Covet the Best Gifts
1 Cor 12:31
But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
earnestly desire: Greek = zeloo
Meaning:
– covet
– burn with zeal
– desire earnestly
– pursue
This is a command to be obeyed!
The “best gifts” is situational. For the sick, gifts of healing and miracles may be best. For your private devotion, tongues may be best—deepening prayer, and intimacy with God.
8) Understanding and Receiving
Speaking in tongues is often challenging to the human intellect. Our minds resist uttering sounds we do not understand. It feels like an insult to the intellect — and that is why many sincere believers struggle to see any reason or purpose for the gift of tongues. Why should I speak to God in a language I do not understand? they ask.
However, if God has given a gift, there must be something of great value in it — otherwise, why would He give it? I want to remain open to whatever God desires to do in my life to deepen my walk with Him. I long to become all that He intends me to be, and to receive everything He knows is necessary and good for me. I do not want to close any door to God, nor say, “Lord, I want everything—except that.” My heart’s desire is simply to receive everything He knows I need, and to allow Him to work freely in my life.
Tongues are a covenant of trust between your spirit and God: you supply willing sounds; the Spirit supplies meaning—praise, thanks, worship, and intercession. It is an act of faith and a confession of limitation: “Lord, I don’t have words to express Your goodness and greatness.”
I do not always know how to pray as I ought. Yet I know this — when I pray, it is essential that I pray according to the will of God.
1 Joh 5:14
“If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”1 Cor 14:14
“If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays…”
When the Spirit aids our praying, we may rest: He aligns our petitions with God’s will, even when our understanding is “unfruitful.” This brings deep assurance and rest in prayer.
Some traditions have used various methods — for example, repeating a word quickly such as “Hallelujah” — to help people yield their tongues. When a person repeats the word over and over, eventually their tongue may twist, or they may stop trying to engage the intellect to form words, and a sound will emerge that no longer resembles “Hallelujah.” At that point, the person may begin to speak in tongues. The principle behind such practices is simply faith: God’s gifts are received, not earned.
Gal 3:2
“Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
Faith receives what grace gives.
9) Is Tongues Real?
Even after many decades of speaking in tongues, the mind may still occasionally whisper, “This is just baby talk.”
But we have a promise from the Word:
Luk 11:13
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Be assured of this: in a moment of crisis, you will pray in tongues without questioning its authenticity. And in a time of fasting and prayer, as you draw near to God, tongues will become a powerful means to seek His face without doubt.
10) The More Excellent Way
Finally, love is the measure.
1 Cor 13:1
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”
Tongues are neither badge nor benchmark of spirituality. Do not despise those who do not speak in tongues; do not judge those who do. The true issue is love—the fruit of the Spirit seen in a life shaped by Jesus. Where the Spirit rules, love abounds.
Conclusion:
- Welcome the promise. God still pours out His Spirit.
- Honour the purpose. Use tongues to pray, praise, and be built up.
- Keep order. “Let all things be done… decently and in order.”
- Walk in love. Gifts serve; love reigns.
Let us ask God for all that helps us know Him more and make Him known—and then walk humbly, gratefully, and lovingly in the power of the Holy Spirit.