For many believers, the idea of speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues can feel mysterious, maybe even intimidating. But Scripture shows us that these gifts are part of God’s plan to strengthen His church, deepen our relationship with Him, and remind us that His Spirit is alive and active in our lives.

Let’s walk through what the Bible says about tongues and interpretation—and what that means for us today.

1. The Purpose for Tongues and Interpretation

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (ESV) that there are many different gifts, but the same Spirit who gives them all “for the common good.” Among these gifts are “various kinds of tongues” and “the interpretation of tongues” (v.10).

Tongues are not a spiritual badge of honor, nor are they a way to elevate ourselves above others. Instead, they are a work of the Spirit, distributed as He decides (1 Corinthians 12:11 NLT).

In other words:

• What it is: a Spirit-given way to glorify God, build up the church, and deepen prayer.

• What it is not: a measure of how “holy” or “spiritual” someone is.

And here’s the key: the gifts must always be rooted in love. Paul says it clearly—“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1 NLT).

2. Love Is the Greatest

Tongues and interpretation, like every other spiritual gift, must flow from love. Without love, they lose their purpose.

Paul describes love in 1 Corinthians 13:4–6 (ESV): “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.” Love rejoices with truth, not wrongdoing. And in verse 13 he sums it up: “The greatest of these is love.”

That’s why we say: love must be the foundation. Love must empower the gifts.

3. The Biblical Use of Tongues

The Bible calls us to grow in spiritual maturity. Paul explains, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child… but when I became a man, I gave up childish ways” (1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV). Maturity means understanding that spiritual gifts aren’t toys—they’re tools God uses to build up His people.

Tongues must benefit the congregation. Paul warns against disorder: if everyone is speaking in tongues at once without interpretation, outsiders will think we’re out of our minds (1 Corinthians 14:23). But when prophecy or orderly interpretation happens, hearts are convicted, and unbelievers may fall on their face and declare, “God is really among you” (v.25).

That’s the point: tongues and interpretation must build up, not tear down. As Paul says, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

4. Speaking in Tongues as a Prayer Language

Tongues aren’t only for the public gathering—they’re also given as a personal prayer language. Paul teaches: “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God… he utters mysteries in the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:2 ESV).

This prayer language builds up the individual believer: “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself” (1 Corinthians 14:4 ESV). It’s a gift meant to deepen intimacy with God.

Romans 8:26 (ESV) puts it beautifully: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness… the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

This is where praying in tongues becomes so practical for everyday believers—especially busy parents, workers, and people carrying heavy burdens. When we don’t even know what to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us.

How Do We Walk in This Gift? By Faith.

Like every gift of God, tongues and interpretation are received by faith:

• We ask in faith. “How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13 NIV)

• We receive in faith. “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24 ESV)

• We speak in faith. Sometimes it feels unnatural at first, but the Spirit enables us as we step out in obedience.

The prophet Ezekiel foretold this: “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees” (Ezekiel 36:27 NIV). And in Acts 2, when the Spirit was poured out, the people received the gift and immediately began speaking in tongues as God enabled them.

Final Word

The gifts of tongues and interpretation aren’t meant to divide us or cause confusion. They’re meant to build us up, draw us closer to God, and remind us of the Spirit’s power at work in everyday life.

And just like every other spiritual gift, they must be rooted in love. Because in the end, it’s not the gift that matters most—it’s the God who gave it, and the love that empowers it.