Bible Verses About the Gift of Tongues

"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."

"To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues."

"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."

"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; and let him speak to himself, and to God."

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues."

"For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God."

"I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."

"I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all."

"Let all things be done decently and in order."

What does the Bible say about gift of tongues?

The gift of tongues is one of the most discussed spiritual gifts. From the Day of Pentecost to Paul's instructions in Corinthians, Scripture addresses this gift with both affirmation and guidelines. Key King James Version passages include Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 12:10. This page collects 10 KJV verses about gift of tongues, each quoted in full.

What is the gift of tongues?

The gift of tongues is a spiritual gift where a believer speaks in a language they have not learned — either a known human language (as at Pentecost) or a spiritual language directed to God (1 Corinthians 14:2).

Is speaking in tongues for every believer?

Paul asks rhetorically, 'Do all speak with tongues?' (1 Corinthians 12:30), implying that not everyone receives this particular gift. The Spirit distributes gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).