What is speaking in tongues?
What is speaking in tongues? Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where believers speak in languages they haven't learned, either human languages or a heavenly prayer language, as empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Key verse: Acts 2:4 (KJV)
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where believers speak in languages they haven't learned, either human languages or a heavenly prayer language, as empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where believers speak in languages they haven't learned, either human languages or a heavenly prayer language, as empowered by the Holy Spirit.
"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
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Speaking in tongues (glossolalia) first appeared at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and they spoke in languages understood by people from many nations. Paul later discussed tongues as one of the spiritual gifts, noting that in church settings it should be accompanied by interpretation. Some traditions see tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism, while others view it as one gift among many. Paul valued tongues for personal prayer but emphasized prophecy and love as greater priorities for building up 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
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
"For 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."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for serving the church and glorifying God.
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 is speaking in tongues?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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