What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues?
What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues? Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift described in Acts and 1 Corinthians, involving Spirit-empowered speech in languages either known or unknown to the speaker.
Key verse: Acts 2:4 (KJV)
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift described in Acts and 1 Corinthians, involving Spirit-empowered speech in languages either known or unknown to the speaker.
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift described in Acts and 1 Corinthians, involving Spirit-empowered speech in languages either known or unknown to the speaker.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." — Acts 2:4 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Tongues first appeared at Pentecost when believers spoke in known foreign languages they had never learned (Acts 2:4-11). Paul discusses tongues extensively in 1 Corinthians 12-14. He affirms it as a genuine gift (12:10, 28) but regulates its use: in church, tongues should be limited to two or three speakers, each with interpretation, and done orderly (14:27-28). Without interpretation, tongues edify only the speaker (14:4). Paul valued tongues but prioritized prophecy for congregational benefit (14:5, 19). Christians debate whether tongues are always known languages or can include 'prayer language,' and whether the gift continues today. Paul's guiding principle remains: 'Let all things be done unto edifying' (14:26) and 'God is not the author of confusion, but of peace' (14:33).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues?
What the Bible teaches about speaking in tongues, spiritual gifts, and their role in the church.
Key Scripture References
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church."
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for serving the church and glorifying God.
What Happened at Pentecost?
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in Jerusalem with wind and tongues of fire, empowering them to preach in multiple languages and launching the church.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Acts. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Acts on day 309 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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