What Is Speaking in Tongues?
What Is Speaking in Tongues? Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where believers speak in languages — either human or heavenly — they have not learned, as the Holy Spirit gives utterance.
Key verse: Acts 2:4 (KJV)
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where believers speak in languages — either human or heavenly — they have not learned, as the Holy Spirit gives utterance.
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where believers speak in languages — either human or heavenly — they have not learned, as the Holy Spirit gives utterance.
"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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The Biblical Answer
At Pentecost, the disciples 'began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance' (Acts 2:4). These were known languages — visitors heard 'the wonderful works of God' in their own dialects (Acts 2:8-11). Paul discusses tongues extensively in 1 Corinthians 12-14. He distinguishes between public tongues (which require interpretation, 1 Corinthians 14:27-28) and private prayer tongues: 'He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries' (1 Corinthians 14:2). Paul valued tongues in his personal devotion — 'I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all' (14:18) — but in church preferred prophecy for edification (14:19). He commanded, 'Forbid not to speak with tongues' (14:39) while urging orderly worship. Christians disagree on whether tongues continue today. Cessationists believe they ceased with the apostles; continuationists believe they remain active. Both agree the Spirit's gifts serve to glorify God and build the church.
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
"They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
"He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God."
"Covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the work of Christ placing believers into His body at salvation, empowering them for service and sealing them for eternity.
What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for building up the church, including teaching, prophecy, service, mercy, and many others.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
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.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse 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 Is Speaking in Tongues?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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