The gift of speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues is one of the most beautiful and fascinating aspects of the New Testament church. These gifts are signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power, designed to build up, encourage, and comfort the body of Christ.
However, understanding how these gifts operate requires careful study of Scripture and a humble, prayerful heart.
The Bible verses about speaking in tongues and interpretation teach us not only about the supernatural move of God but also about His desire for order, love, and unity in His church.
Key Takeaways:
- Speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit for personal and corporate edification.
- Interpretation ensures the church is encouraged and strengthened.
- Love and order are central to the use of spiritual gifts.
Let’s now dive into 35 powerful Bible verses that explain speaking in tongues, interpretation, and how these gifts glorify God.
35 Bible Verses About Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation
1. Acts 2:4
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Explanation:
The first outpouring of the Holy Spirit showed believers speaking in new tongues, empowered directly by God.
2. 1 Corinthians 12:10
“To another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”
Explanation:
Speaking in tongues and interpretation are listed among the gifts of the Holy Spirit given for the common good.
3. 1 Corinthians 14:2
“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God.”
Explanation:
Tongues is primarily a form of communication between the believer and God, filled with divine mysteries.
4. 1 Corinthians 14:5
“I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.”
Explanation:
Paul encourages tongues but emphasizes the importance of gifts that build up the church community.
5. 1 Corinthians 14:13
“For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.”
Explanation:
Interpretation allows tongues to be understood and edifying to others.
6. Mark 16:17
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.”
Explanation:
Speaking in tongues is presented as a sign accompanying believers.
7. Acts 10:46
“For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”
Explanation:
The Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, confirming their place in God’s family.
8. Acts 19:6
“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
Explanation:
Receiving the Holy Spirit often brought the immediate sign of speaking in tongues.
9. 1 Corinthians 14:4
“Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.”
Explanation:
Tongues build up the individual; prophecy strengthens the whole church.
10. 1 Corinthians 14:18
“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.”
Explanation:
Paul acknowledges the value of speaking in tongues in his own life.
The Purpose of Tongues and Interpretation
11. 1 Corinthians 14:22
“Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers.”
Explanation:
Speaking in tongues serves as a powerful sign to those who do not yet believe.
12. Jude 1:20
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Explanation:
Praying in the Spirit strengthens personal faith.
13. Isaiah 28:11
“Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people.”
Explanation:
Isaiah prophesied about tongues long before Pentecost.
14. 1 Corinthians 12:28
“And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.”
Explanation:
Tongues are among the important gifts given to the church by God.
15. 1 Corinthians 14:6
“Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you?”
Explanation:
Tongues must be accompanied by interpretation to benefit others.
16. Romans 8:26
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Explanation:
The Holy Spirit intercedes through prayer beyond human language.
17. 1 Corinthians 14:12
“Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.”
Explanation:
Spiritual gifts should always aim to strengthen and encourage the church.
18. 1 Corinthians 14:28
“If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”
Explanation:
Tongues without interpretation should be private to maintain order in worship.
19. 1 Corinthians 14:39
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
Explanation:
Paul encourages the practice of tongues but with proper order.
20. 1 Corinthians 14:40
“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
Explanation:
Orderliness in spiritual gifts glorifies God and builds unity.
Growing in Understanding and Use of Spiritual Gifts
21. Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Explanation:
Praying in the Spirit includes praying in tongues as a way of staying close to God.
22. 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Explanation:
Every spiritual gift, including tongues, is meant to serve and bless others.
23. Acts 2:11
“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
Explanation:
At Pentecost, tongues allowed people from different nations to hear God’s wonders.
24. Numbers 11:29
“I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!”
Explanation:
God desires His Spirit to move powerfully among all His people.
25. 1 Corinthians 14:15
“So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding.”
Explanation:
Believers are encouraged to balance spiritual language and understandable prayer.
26. Acts 4:31
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Explanation:
The filling of the Spirit leads to boldness and powerful prayer.
27. 2 Timothy 1:6
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God.”
Explanation:
Spiritual gifts need to be stirred up and practiced faithfully.
28. 1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not quench the Spirit.”
Explanation:
Believers are warned not to suppress the Holy Spirit’s work.
29. Galatians 5:25
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Explanation:
Walking with the Spirit involves using His gifts with sensitivity.
30. Acts 8:17
“Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Explanation:
Receiving the Holy Spirit often involved visible and audible signs, such as tongues.
Following the Spirit’s Leading
31. Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”
Explanation:
The gift of the Holy Spirit, including tongues, is available to all believers.
32. Joel 2:28
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
Explanation:
Joel’s prophecy points to the widespread outpouring of the Spirit seen at Pentecost.
33. 1 Corinthians 14:26
“When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.”
Explanation:
Worship gatherings should include many gifts working together for edification.
34. 1 Corinthians 13:1
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Explanation:
Love must be the foundation of all spiritual gifts.
35. 1 Corinthians 14:19
“But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
Explanation:
Communication that builds up others is always more important than display.
Final Thoughts: Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation in the Light of Love and Order
The Bible verses about speaking in tongues and interpretation show us that these gifts are beautiful tools given by the Holy Spirit for personal strengthening and corporate encouragement. They must always operate with love, order, and a heart to glorify God.
Speaking in tongues is powerful, but without love and understanding, its full purpose is missed.
What about you?
Have you experienced the gifts of tongues or interpretation?
Feel free to share your story, favorite Scripture, or reflection in the comments below!
35+ Powerful Bible Verses About Speaking In Tongues And Interpretation