Introduction: What Does Speaking in Tongues Mean?

Few spiritual gifts create as much curiosity, confusion, and disagreement as speaking in tongues.

What does speaking in tongues actually mean?

Is speaking in tongues biblical?

Is it a real language?

Is speaking in tongues for Christians today?

Does every Christian need to speak in tongues?

And what was actually happening when people spoke in tongues in the Bible?

For some Christians, speaking in tongues is completely normal.

For others, it’s unfamiliar or even uncomfortable.

Some grew up in churches where tongues were practiced regularly. Others were taught that speaking in tongues ended with the early Church.

So rather than beginning with an experience, tradition, or denomination, let’s begin with Scripture.

Speaking in tongues appears multiple times in the New Testament and is discussed most extensively in Acts and 1 Corinthians.

Paul writes:

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:2

He later says:

“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:18

And yet the same Paul also gives clear instructions and limitations for how tongues should operate when Christians gather together.

The biblical picture is neither:

“Tongues are strange, so avoid them.”

Nor:

“Anything spiritual goes.”

Instead, Scripture teaches us to welcome the work of the Holy Spirit while practicing spiritual gifts with love, discernment, and order.

What Is Speaking in Tongues?

Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift in which the Holy Spirit enables a believer to speak in a language or form of speech they have not learned naturally.

The New Testament uses the Greek word glōssa, which can refer to the physical tongue or to a language.

Speaking in tongues appears prominently in:

• Acts 2

• Acts 10

• Acts 19

• 1 Corinthians 12

• 1 Corinthians 13

• 1 Corinthians 14

First Corinthians 12 includes:

“…speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:10

Tongues aren’t something Christians invented centuries later.

They are explicitly described in the New Testament as part of the activity and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Where Is Speaking in Tongues Found in the Bible?

The clearest place to begin is the book of Acts.

Speaking in Tongues at Pentecost

Acts 2 records the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

Jesus had previously told His disciples:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.”

— Acts 1:8

Then Acts 2 says:

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

— Acts 2:4

People from many nations were gathered in Jerusalem.

They were amazed because:

“Each one heard their own language being spoken.”

— Acts 2:6

In this instance, the tongues were recognizable human languages that the speakers had not naturally learned.

The miracle demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit and accompanied a pivotal moment in the mission of the Church.

Peter preached the gospel, and about 3,000 people responded.

Speaking in Tongues in Acts 10

Tongues appear again when Peter shares the gospel with Cornelius and his household.

While Peter was still speaking:

“The Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.”

— Acts 10:44

The Jewish believers with Peter:

“Heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”

— Acts 10:46

This was significant.

God was visibly demonstrating that the gift of the Holy Spirit was also being poured out on Gentiles.

Speaking in Tongues in Acts 19

Paul later encounters disciples in Ephesus.

After they are baptized in the name of Jesus:

“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”

— Acts 19:6

Again, tongues appear alongside the activity of the Holy Spirit.

What Does Paul Teach About Speaking in Tongues?

The most extensive biblical teaching on tongues is found in 1 Corinthians 12–14.

This section matters because the Corinthian church was spiritually gifted—but immature in how some of those gifts were being used.

Paul doesn’t tell them to reject spiritual gifts.

He teaches them how to use those gifts properly.

He writes:

“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:1

Then he teaches about:

• Different spiritual gifts

• Unity in the body of Christ

• Love

• Prophecy

• Tongues

• Interpretation

• Order in church gatherings

At the end of his instruction, Paul says:

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:39–40

That’s an important balance.

Don’t forbid it.

And:

Practice it biblically.

Are There Different Kinds of Tongues in the Bible?

Christians interpret the biblical passages about tongues in several ways.

One important question is whether every instance of tongues describes the exact same expression.

First Corinthians 12:10 refers to:

“Different kinds of tongues.”

At Pentecost, the languages were understood by people from other nations.

But in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul describes tongues differently:

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:2

This leads many continuationist Christians to recognize at least different functions or expressions of tongues in the New Testament.

These can include:

• Tongues expressed as recognizable human languages

• Tongues used in prayer to God

• Tongues expressed publicly in a church gathering and accompanied by interpretation

We should avoid forcing every passage into a category Scripture itself doesn’t explicitly define.

But we should also allow all of the biblical passages to shape our understanding.

Is Speaking in Tongues a Prayer Language?

The phrase “prayer language” doesn’t appear in the Bible.

However, the concept comes from passages where Paul describes speaking in tongues as directed toward God.

He says:

“Anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:2

He also says:

“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:14

Then:

“I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:15

For this reason, many Christians use the phrase prayer language to describe praying in tongues privately.

The terminology isn’t biblical terminology, but it can describe a practice Paul discusses.

The important thing is to let Scripture define the practice rather than building theology around terminology.

What Is the Purpose of Speaking in Tongues?

The New Testament presents several purposes associated with tongues.

Tongues Can Be Directed Toward God

Paul says the person speaking in a tongue:

“Does not speak to people but to God.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:2

Tongues can therefore function as a form of prayer.

Tongues Can Build Up the Individual Believer

Paul writes:

“Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:4

The word edify means to build up or strengthen.

Paul isn’t necessarily criticizing personal edification here. He is contrasting it with prophecy in a public gathering, which builds up the whole church.

Tongues Can Build Up the Church When Interpreted

Paul explains:

“The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:5

When a tongue is expressed publicly and interpreted, others can understand and be strengthened.

Tongues Can Accompany the Activity of the Holy Spirit

Acts repeatedly connects tongues with significant moments involving the Holy Spirit.

This is especially evident in Acts 2, Acts 10, and Acts 19.

What Is the Interpretation of Tongues?

First Corinthians 12 lists both:

Different kinds of tongues

and:

The interpretation of tongues.

Interpretation is the Spirit-enabled ability to communicate the meaning of a tongue so others can understand what is being expressed.

Paul writes:

“For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:13

This becomes especially important in a public church gathering.

If someone gives a tongue publicly to the congregation, Paul instructs that it should be interpreted.

He says:

“If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:28

That’s remarkably practical.

Paul believes in tongues.

Paul practices tongues.

And Paul establishes boundaries around their public use.

Being Spirit-led and having biblical order aren’t opposites.

Is Speaking in Tongues the Same as Prophecy?

No.

Paul distinguishes between the two.

Tongues, without interpretation, aren’t understood by the congregation.

Prophecy communicates something understandable that can strengthen others.

Paul writes:

“The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:3

That’s why Paul says prophecy is more beneficial than uninterpreted tongues in a public gathering.

His concern isn’t which gift sounds more supernatural.

His concern is:

What will build people up?

That principle should guide how every spiritual gift operates.

Does Everyone Speak in Tongues?

This is one of the most debated questions surrounding tongues.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions:

“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?”

— 1 Corinthians 12:29–30

The expected answer is no.

Not every believer has the same role or gift.

The Holy Spirit:

“Distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:11

At the same time, Paul also says:

“I would like every one of you to speak in tongues.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:5

And:

“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:18

Christians interpret the relationship between these passages differently.

Some distinguish between the public gift of tongues described in 1 Corinthians 12 and a more personal expression of praying in tongues described in chapter 14.

Others understand all forms of tongues as a gift the Holy Spirit gives to some believers and not others.

What we can say clearly is this:

Speaking in tongues should never be used as a test of whether someone is genuinely saved or spiritually mature.

The New Testament’s clearest evidence of spiritual maturity is Christlike character.

Is Speaking in Tongues Evidence of the Holy Spirit?

The book of Acts records occasions where speaking in tongues accompanies people receiving or experiencing the Holy Spirit.

That has led many Pentecostal Christians to teach that speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Other charismatic and continuationist Christians believe tongues may accompany baptism or filling with the Holy Spirit but don’t believe Scripture requires tongues as the universal initial evidence for every believer.

Other Christian traditions reject the continuation of tongues altogether.

At Elan Church, we believe speaking in tongues is biblical, available today, and something Christians can be open to receiving from the Holy Spirit.

But we don’t believe someone’s relationship with God should be measured by whether they speak in tongues.

Paul’s teaching about the body of Christ repeatedly emphasizes diversity.

The Holy Spirit is not trying to make every Christian identical.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in your life isn’t ultimately proven by a particular spiritual gift. A Spirit-filled life should increasingly produce the character of Jesus.

Is Speaking in Tongues Still for Today?

Christians generally fall into two broad positions.

Cessationism

Cessationists believe certain miraculous gifts—including tongues and prophecy—were given primarily for the foundational apostolic period and aren’t intended to continue as normal gifts in the Church today.

Continuationism

Continuationists believe the spiritual gifts described in the New Testament continue to be available to believers today.

Pentecostal and charismatic Christians generally hold this view.

At Elan Church, we are continuationists.

We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available and active today.

One reason is Paul’s instruction:

“Do not forbid speaking in tongues.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:39

We don’t see Scripture later reversing that instruction.

At the same time, continuationism shouldn’t mean accepting every claimed supernatural experience without discernment.

The same Bible that says:

“Do not forbid…”

also says:

“Test them all; hold on to what is good.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:21

We want both.

Expectation and discernment.

Openness and biblical grounding.

Did Speaking in Tongues Stop After the Apostles?

Some Christians appeal to 1 Corinthians 13:8–10:

“Where there are tongues, they will be stilled… For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.”

Everyone agrees that tongues will eventually cease.

The disagreement is when.

Some cessationists understand “when completeness comes” as referring to the completion of the apostolic age or, in some versions of this argument, the completion of Scripture.

Continuationists generally understand Paul’s language as pointing toward the return of Christ and the future state when partial knowledge gives way to seeing fully.

Paul continues:

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:12

For this reason, we don’t believe this passage teaches that tongues ceased when the New Testament was completed.

We believe spiritual gifts remain available to the Church until Jesus returns.

Is Speaking in Tongues Weird?

It can certainly feel unfamiliar.

Especially if you’ve never experienced it.

Anything outside our normal experience can initially feel strange.

But the right question isn’t:

“Does this feel normal to me?”

The better question is:

“Is this biblical?”

Speaking in tongues is undeniably present in the New Testament.

At the same time, something being biblical doesn’t mean every modern expression of it is automatically healthy.

People can misuse genuine spiritual gifts.

That’s exactly what was happening in Corinth.

Paul’s solution wasn’t to remove the supernatural.

His solution was to bring the supernatural under biblical order, love, and maturity.

We shouldn’t reject something simply because we’ve seen it practiced poorly.

Can Speaking in Tongues Be Fake?

Yes.

Human beings can imitate almost anything.

Someone could repeat sounds, copy another person, exaggerate an experience, or feel pressured into doing something they haven’t genuinely received.

That’s why spiritual environments should never manipulate people.

No one should be pressured to speak in tongues.

No one should be taught to fake it until something happens.

No one should feel spiritually inferior because they haven’t experienced a particular gift.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t need our help manufacturing something supernatural.

Our responsibility is to be open, hungry, biblical, and honest.

If God gives a gift, receive it.

If He doesn’t, don’t pretend.

Can Speaking in Tongues Be Demonic?

Scripture teaches Christians to exercise spiritual discernment.

Not every supernatural claim should automatically be accepted as coming from God.

First John 4:1 says:

“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”

However, Christians shouldn’t become fearful of receiving something from the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said:

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? … How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

— Luke 11:11–13

If you’re sincerely seeking God, you can trust His character.

Our posture should neither be gullibility nor fear.

It should be biblical discernment combined with confidence in the goodness of our Father.

How Do I Receive the Gift of Tongues?

Spiritual gifts aren’t something we can force.

The Holy Spirit distributes gifts according to His will.

But Scripture also tells Christians:

“Eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:1

So it’s appropriate to ask.

If you desire to pray in tongues:

Ask the Holy Spirit

Simply pray.

“Holy Spirit, I want everything You have for me.”

“If this is a gift You want to give me, I receive it.”

Surrender Fear

You don’t need to be afraid of the Holy Spirit.

God is a good Father.

Don’t Manufacture It

You don’t need to create an experience.

Don’t copy someone else.

Don’t perform.

Don’t fake it.

Be Open to God Working Through You

In Acts 2:

“They began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

The Spirit enabled them, but they spoke.

Spiritual gifts often involve God’s empowerment working through willing human participation.

Don’t Make Tongues the Goal

The goal is the Holy Spirit Himself.

Don’t become so focused on receiving one manifestation that you miss relationship with the Person who gives the gifts.

Seek the Giver more than the gift.

Should I Pray in Tongues Every Day?

The Bible doesn’t command Christians to pray in tongues for a specific amount of time each day.

Paul clearly practiced tongues regularly:

“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:18

If God has given you this gift, it can become a meaningful part of your prayer life.

But praying in tongues shouldn’t replace:

• Praying with understanding

• Reading Scripture

• Worship

• Intercession

• Confession

• Listening

• Fellowship with other Christians

• Obedience

Paul says:

“I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:15

It’s not either/or.

It’s both.

Should People Speak in Tongues During a Church Service?

Yes—but according to biblical order.

This is where 1 Corinthians 14 is especially helpful.

Paul distinguishes between speech directed privately toward God and a tongue addressed publicly to the gathered congregation.

If someone gives a public tongue intended for the congregation, Scripture says it should be interpreted.

If there is no interpretation:

“The speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:28

Paul isn’t prohibiting tongues in church.

He is ensuring that corporate worship builds up everyone present.

The guiding principle is:

“Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:26

Spiritual freedom doesn’t require spiritual disorder.

What About “Tongues of Angels”?

First Corinthians 13:1 says:

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love…”

Some Christians understand this as evidence that tongues can include heavenly or angelic languages.

Others understand Paul’s language as rhetorical exaggeration designed to emphasize the supremacy of love.

The verse doesn’t give us enough information to confidently build an entire doctrine of angelic prayer languages.

The main point of the passage is unmistakable:

Whatever spiritual gift you have, without love it means very little.

That’s the truth Paul wants us to remember.

Is Speaking in Tongues More Spiritual Than Other Gifts?

No.

The Corinthian church seems to have elevated certain gifts in unhealthy ways.

Paul responds by comparing the Church to a body.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:27

Every part matters.

Teaching matters.

Serving matters.

Giving matters.

Leadership matters.

Mercy matters.

Prophecy matters.

Tongues matter.

Healing matters.

Encouragement matters.

The Holy Spirit determines how He distributes gifts.

Your spiritual gift doesn’t determine your spiritual value.

What Matters More Than Speaking in Tongues?

Love.

That’s Paul’s answer.

First Corinthians 13 isn’t randomly placed between two chapters about spiritual gifts.

It’s the heart of Paul’s correction.

He writes:

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:1

You can be spiritually gifted and spiritually immature.

The evidence of maturity isn’t merely supernatural activity.

It’s becoming like Jesus.

Galatians 5 describes the fruit of the Spirit as:

• Love

• Joy

• Peace

• Forbearance

• Kindness

• Goodness

• Faithfulness

• Gentleness

• Self-control

Gifts matter. Fruit matters more than gifting without character.

The healthiest Christians pursue both.

Frequently Asked Questions About Speaking in Tongues

What Is Speaking in Tongues?

Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift in which the Holy Spirit enables a believer to speak in a language or form of speech they haven’t naturally learned.

Is Speaking in Tongues Biblical?

Yes.

Speaking in tongues appears repeatedly in Acts and is discussed extensively in 1 Corinthians 12–14.

Is Speaking in Tongues Still for Today?

Christians disagree.

At Elan Church, we believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including tongues, continue to be available today.

Does Everyone Have to Speak in Tongues?

No Christian’s salvation or spiritual maturity should be measured by whether they speak in tongues.

Christians differ on whether the public gift of tongues and personal praying in tongues should be understood as distinct expressions.

Do You Have to Speak in Tongues to Be Saved?

No.

Salvation comes by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Speaking in tongues isn’t a requirement for salvation.

Is Speaking in Tongues a Real Language?

In Acts 2, tongues clearly included recognizable human languages.

First Corinthians 14 also describes tongues that aren’t understood by those present without interpretation.

What Is a Prayer Language?

“Prayer language” is a modern term often used to describe praying in tongues privately, based particularly on Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 14.

Can I Ask God for the Gift of Tongues?

Yes.

Scripture tells believers to eagerly desire spiritual gifts.

Can Someone Fake Speaking in Tongues?

Yes.

Like any outward behavior, tongues can be imitated. Christians should never manufacture or fake a spiritual gift.

Do Tongues Need to Be Interpreted?

A public tongue addressed to a gathered congregation should be interpreted according to 1 Corinthians 14.

Private prayer in tongues isn’t presented in the same way.

Did Paul Speak in Tongues?

Yes.

Paul said:

“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:18

Did Jesus Speak in Tongues?

The Gospels don’t record Jesus speaking in tongues.

Is Speaking in Tongues the Evidence of Being Filled With the Holy Spirit?

Tongues accompany receiving or experiencing the Holy Spirit in several passages in Acts.

Christians differ on whether tongues should be understood as the necessary initial evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit for every believer.

At Elan Church, we believe tongues are biblical and available today without using them as a test of someone’s salvation or spiritual maturity.

Don’t Forbid It. Don’t Fake It. Don’t Worship It.

Speaking in tongues doesn’t need to be mysterious, frightening, or divisive.

It’s in the Bible.

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts.

Paul practiced tongues himself.

And Scripture tells us:

“Do not forbid speaking in tongues.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:39

But Scripture also tells us to pursue love, build up the Church, test what we experience, and practice spiritual gifts with order.

So we don’t need to be afraid of tongues.

We don’t need to manufacture tongues.

And we don’t need to make tongues the center of Christianity.

Jesus is the center.

The Holy Spirit’s ministry always points us toward Him.

So our posture can remain simple:

Be hungry for everything God has for you.

Stay grounded in everything God has written.

And seek the Giver more than the gift.

Looking for a Holy Spirit-Led Church Near Naperville, Illinois?

If you live in Naperville, Aurora, or the greater Chicago area and are looking for a church where you can learn more about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts in a biblical, healthy environment, we’d love to invite you to Elan Church.

Elan Church is a Holy Spirit-led, Bible-immersed, non-denominational church in the Naperville area.

We believe the Holy Spirit is active today, His gifts are available to the Church, and everything He does ultimately points people toward Jesus.

Whether the gifts of the Holy Spirit are completely new to you or you’ve been following Jesus for years, you’re welcome to come, ask questions, grow in God’s Word, and experience biblical community with us.

We’d love to have you join us this Sunday.