what is Speaking in tongues
- Thread starter NiNA2613
- Start date
-
Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.
If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!
To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Hi, what exactly are you confused by? I'd love to respond to you; but I'd rather respond to questions you have, not ones you don't.
Speaking in tongues was the supernatural ability to speak in another language. This was particularly important in the early church in places like Corinth that had two ports and a lot of people with different languages.
Today there is a branch of Christianity that feels the supernatural gifts such as healing the sick and speaking in other languages continue as they had. This is called charismatic, full gospel, or pentacostal Christianity.
Often what is called speaking in tongues sounds like gibberish and is called a "prayer language" since they are usually utterances in no known language. Those who are not charismatic often call this ecstatic speech in that it is not of God but of one's own creation.
Each person has to decide if it is of God or people that are mistaken. Two verses that bear upon this subject are that the spiritual gifts would cease and that they were only a taste of the age to come.
1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Today there is a branch of Christianity that feels the supernatural gifts such as healing the sick and speaking in other languages continue as they had. This is called charismatic, full gospel, or pentacostal Christianity.
Often what is called speaking in tongues sounds like gibberish and is called a "prayer language" since they are usually utterances in no known language. Those who are not charismatic often call this ecstatic speech in that it is not of God but of one's own creation.
Each person has to decide if it is of God or people that are mistaken. Two verses that bear upon this subject are that the spiritual gifts would cease and that they were only a taste of the age to come.
1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
I looked it up and found this:
Speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, is a religious practice in which individuals utter fluid,
speech-like syllables that lack comprehensible meaning. It is primarily practiced as a form of ecstatic
prayer or a spiritual gift in Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian denominations.
Biblical Origins
The practice traces back to the New Testament, notably on the Day of Pentecost (found in the
Book of Acts), where the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in languages they had not
learned so they could preach to people from various nations.
In the Christian tradition, specifically according to the teachings of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14,
speaking out loud in tongues during a public church service does require an interpreter to ensure that
the entire congregation understands the message and is edified, rather than left confused.
T
Thaddeus
Guest
But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9;For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
Tongues are written alongside prophecies and knowledge as being things that will pass away.
Someday, I'll also have 20/20 vision.
It's the act of the Holy Spirit speaking through you mysteries that typically men are unable to comprehend because they are meant for God alone.
Acts, Romans, Corinthians touch on this directive basically word for word.
Good question. Speaking in tongues is a supernatural event caused by the Holy Spirit, in which a person speaks one language while everyone else hears another. So, for instance, a minister or someone else in church might be speaking in French but everyone hears him speak in English.
I want to be careful and respectful here, so let me put this as clearly as I can. When I speak of speaking in tongues, I’m referring to the biblical phenomenon where a person speaks in one language and listeners hear it in their own language. In that sense, it’s intelligible communication — just intelligible in a miraculous way.
Glossolalia, on the other hand, describes vocalizations that are not recognizable as any known language. So I’m not using the term ‘tongues’ to describe inarticulate or non‑linguistic speech, but rather a real, meaningful language event that others can understand.
Tongues is the archaic word used by some Bible translations for the more contemporary word "languages."
From this we can then deduce that these are foreign languages which are also Earthly languages.
Some translation will have the word "foreign" in parenthesis or as a foot note.
Yes so important to make this distinction!
Glossolalia has been thoroughly investigated by linguists and it have no recognizable patterns that every Earthly language has been shown to have.
Many fail to understand what's actually happening when a person initially speaks in tongues. When the Holy Spirit of God enters a believer, it opens up a whole new world! The manifestation of speaking in tongues is the result of God's Spirit reviving man's spirit that was dead in sin due to Adam and Eve's actions in the garden.
A believer’s renewed spirit communicates directly with the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. 14:2), Acts 2:4 , 10:43-48, and 19:1-7, and Romans 8:26)
The following is a great writeup that addresses the various purposes for the manifestation of speaking in tongues:
So what happens when you pray in tongues after you have already received the Holy Ghost?
1. 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘
1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.
The word edifieth means to build up, strengthen, and spiritually reinforce.
Just as your physical body needs nourishment to remain strong, your spirit also requires spiritual strengthening.
Praying in tongues builds your inner man.
It strengthens your faith.
It reinforces your spiritual sensitivity.
It deepens your awareness of God’s presence.
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
Notice what scripture says. Praying in the Holy Ghost builds your faith.
And when joined with singing in the Spirit, that edification becomes both prayer and worship flowing together in beautiful fellowship with God.
This is one of the reasons born again believers should pray and sing in the Spirit regularly.
It is spiritual strengthening.
It is heaven’s way of fortifying your inner man.
2. 𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐆𝐎𝐃
1 Corinthians 14:2 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.
This is profound. When you pray in tongues, you are not speaking to people.
You are speaking directly to God.
Your spirit is communicating with Him beyond the limitations of natural language.
There are burdens your natural mind cannot fully express.
There are places of intercession deeper than vocabulary can reach.
There are moments when your spirit knows what your mind cannot articulate.
That is why praying in tongues is so powerful.
It allows the Spirit within you to pray beyond the limitations of human understanding.
And when that same Spirit moves you into song, your worship rises beyond the limits of earthly expression.
3. 𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐎𝐃
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought.
There are times when we simply do not know how to pray.
We do not know what to ask.
We do not know what is needed.
We do not know what God is accomplishing behind the scenes.
But the Spirit knows.
When you yield yourself in prayer, the Spirit intercedes through you according to God’s perfect knowledge and purpose.
This is one of the greatest blessings of praying in tongues.
You may not understand every word being spoken, but God understands perfectly.
And the Spirit is praying through you according to divine wisdom.
4. 𝐈𝐓 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄
The world constantly pulls at your attention.
Life can cloud your spiritual awareness. Distractions can dull your sensitivity to the voice of God.
But praying in tongues sharpens your spirit. Singing in the Spirit lifts your heart into worship.
Together they quiet the noise of the flesh and tune your soul toward heaven.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
A believer who regularly prays and sings in the Spirit becomes increasingly sensitive to divine direction.
You begin to recognize His promptings more clearly.
You discern His voice more readily.
You become more aware of His peace, correction, and guidance.
5. 𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋
Isaiah prophesied of this.
Isaiah 28:11-12 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people… This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing.
There is spiritual refreshing in praying in tongues. And there is deep spiritual joy in singing in the Spirit.
When your soul is weary, when your heart is burdened, when your mind is overwhelmed, praying and singing in the Spirit bring divine refreshing.
It brings rest.
It brings renewal.
It brings peace.
So when should a born again believer pray and sing in the Spirit?
Daily.
Not as ritual.
Not as empty repetition.
But as ongoing fellowship with God.
Paul said:
1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.
Paul understood its value. He practiced it regularly.
He recognized it as an essential part of spiritual life.
Pray in tongues when you worship.
Sing in the Spirit when praise rises within you.
Pray in tongues when you do not know what to pray.
Pray in tongues when you are burdened.
Pray in tongues when you need strength.
Sing in the Spirit when your soul needs refreshing.
Pray and sing in the Spirit when seeking direction.
Pray in tongues when interceding for others.
Pray in tongues when building yourself in faith.
Pray and sing in the Spirit simply because you desire communion with God.
This is not strange.
This is not emotionalism.
This is not unnecessary.
This is part of New Covenant life.
It is one of the beautiful privileges of having the Spirit of God dwelling within you.
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬 was never meant to be a forgotten moment in your salvation testimony.
It was given to become a living part of your daily walk with God.
It is the language of spiritual edification.
It is the language of communion.
It is the language of surrender.
It is the language of intercession.
It is the language of worship.
It is the language of spiritual strengthening.
When you pray and sing in the Spirit, you are yielding your tongue to the Spirit of God.
And when your tongue is yielded, your heart follows.
Your mind quiets.
Your spirit aligns.
Your faith is strengthened.
Your relationship with God deepens.
This is why praying and singing in the Spirit matter after the new birth. It is not merely proof that you received the Holy Ghost.
It is one of God’s greatest gifts to help you walk faithfully after receiving Him.
So pray in the Spirit.
Sing in the Spirit.
Build yourself up.
Strengthen your inner man.
Yield yourself fully to His presence.
And allow the Holy Ghost within you to continually shape, strengthen, refresh, and lead you as you walk in covenant with God.
The Initial sign of speaking in tongues and daily prayer language is NOT the same as the Gift of Speaking in tongues that Paul talked about in 1 Cor 12, and taught on in verse 14.
Tongues operate as a public gift in the congregation when accompanied by interpretation. See 1 Cor 12-14
This is different from the initial sign of receiving the Holy Ghost and different from private prayer.
This is a ministry operation for the edification of the church.
𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐁𝐈𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐒
1 Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
(excerpt: 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲)
The Word reveals people can ask God for the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). This scripture reveals the Holy Spirit is not automatically received the instant a person believes in Jesus. Receiving the Holy Ghost can also happen at the laying on of hands by a person who has already been filled, or through a spontaneous outpouring by God. In each detailed account, there was evidence proving the infilling of the Holy Ghost had taken place.
Keep in mind, the Word states that truth is established by 2-3 witnesses. (Dt 19:15, Matt. 18:16, 2 Cor 13:1) This means there is at least 2-3 scriptures that state/reveal the same thing. And on 3 occasions, speaking in tongues was the sign that proved the people were filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:2-8
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”
Acts 2:38-41
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Acts 8:12-18
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)”
Consider: How did those present know that the Samaritans did not receive the Holy Ghost? They knew it because they did not witness any outward evidence. (tongues)
“Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,”
Consider: It is obvious something occurred that convinced Simon that the Holy Ghost was given. There is clear evidence that tongues proceeded from all individuals present on at least 3 occasions recorded in the Word, as such, it is an established concept.
Acts 10:44-48
“While Peter yet these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
Acts 19:1-6
“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost SINCE ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. (Paul's question indicates that the Holy Ghost is not automatically received when a person believes)
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
The above accounts reveal there is evidence when a person receives the Holy Ghost. And that evidence is speaking in tongues. There is nothing mysterious about speaking in tongues; it is a means of direct communication between man's renewed spirit and the Spirit of God.
You know I was just watching this very older Jewish man lives in Israel.. Quoting the word .. Saying things like "Worship the Lord and no other God! Turn away from idols! He is coming soon! Prophetic call" Says.. repent be baptized in water and ask for the Holy Spirit.. it was awesome to here this. Its not what we personally believe. What does He say in His word? Read John 3:16-17... Rom 10:9-10.. God said that.. same God said Luke 11:13.. have you received the holy Spirit since you believed.. just do what He said...
I was not asked.. if I wanted to speak in tongues. They never said that. It was did I want the Holy Spirit. That is what your asking for. The 120+ had to wait on the promise that Christ asked the Father. They were all saved before that day. He said you shall recieve power after the holy Spirit comes on you. That is what your asking for. Tongues... I had no clue about that. .. I asked.. they read only scriptures' about the holy Spirit prayed.. stopped said thats it you got it. See if GOD said ask Him.. and you ask.. now thank Him for giving you the Holy Spirit. Went to sit down and tongues just came out. Its direct communication with God, personal spiritual edification. a private prayer language between a believer and God.
As one said... since some believe the gifts have stopped then anyone speaking in tongues is of the devil. I have never known my Father GOD to make a promise to then lie and not do it. He said if you ask for the Holy Spirit He will give it to them that ask. That is a promise to any believer. For me tongues just came out.. no one told me to .. no one no one was speaking in tongues.. And I have to say.. its like day and night.. Its like you exist yet now.. now your alive! You shall recieve power. The more I pray in tongues.. the closer I feel with God. I had to go to AI and say that.. words and me.. not good lol. This is what I mean "deep intimacy with God" Not out in public or speaking in some video speaking in tongues..
Ask Him.. don't take my word for this. If I follow some man.. all I get is what they personally believe
Peter promises the gift of the Holy Spirit—not tongues as such. The Spirit is given to all who repent and believe. In Cornelius’s house, the Spirit chose to manifest Himself through tongues as a sign to Peter and the Jewish believers that God was truly saving Gentiles. The tongues were the evidence for Peter; the Spirit Himself was the gift for them.
The gift of tongues is hard to understand. I note that several people have commented already, citing scripture, with some suggesting that it has ceased and that any current examples are fraudulent. All I can say it that in my experience and to my knowledge it is a real case of an individual speaking in a language unknown to them. There is also sometimes someone simply babbling, making noises with no meaning, but that is not the gift of tongues.
I have observed it with someone speaking in a language I know, but with their immediate relatives assuring me that the speaker had never learned the language. I have also heard a person claiming that someone speaking in tongues, an obscure language that was native to the listener (the speaker reportedly had a terrible accent but was understandable) that ultimately led to their conversion.
Now as to the historicity of the accounts in Acts, I personally see many reasons to question, not the least of which are Paul's comments about the experience which predate the recorded accounts in Acts as well as specific details from the Acts accounts themselves and a knowledge of k1st century politics.
@NiNA2613 I have the gift of tongues.
When I got baptized by the holy spirit, when I received the holy spirit, Mrs Pat prayed that I would have the gift of tongues, for the evidence of the holy ghost. The way it works for me, is I let the holy spirit speak, giving him utterance. And he does, so well so fluently thru me. I don't know anything he says, but sometimes I can have an idea about it. And he speaks in more than one language sometimes. He sings sometimes. And, he has recently spoke judgments.
Using the gift tongues, you never know who the holy ghost is prayer for, you, yourself, or other people. It's possible who could be praying for someone who is in great danger. This is what Doctor Pat Holliday told me, she was my pastor.
The holy spirit will also, I read you can get other gifts when praying with tongues, but right now I wonder if that is true, because they talked about a dependency on hours.
When I got baptized by the holy spirit, when I received the holy spirit, Mrs Pat prayed that I would have the gift of tongues, for the evidence of the holy ghost. The way it works for me, is I let the holy spirit speak, giving him utterance. And he does, so well so fluently thru me. I don't know anything he says, but sometimes I can have an idea about it. And he speaks in more than one language sometimes. He sings sometimes. And, he has recently spoke judgments.
Using the gift tongues, you never know who the holy ghost is prayer for, you, yourself, or other people. It's possible who could be praying for someone who is in great danger. This is what Doctor Pat Holliday told me, she was my pastor.
The holy spirit will also, I read you can get other gifts when praying with tongues, but right now I wonder if that is true, because they talked about a dependency on hours.
I would note that in my personal experience, there is no direct connection between speaking in tongues and receiving other gifts of the spirit. Tongues is the least of the gifts and the most common one, but the HS is like the wind and blows/gives gifts, when and where it does. The wind that blows any given day can be a gentle breeze or gale force winds, it all depends on factors that change independently of what occurred in the immediate region the day before.
Be careful. Paul writes that if a person doesn't know what they are saying, they are not speaking in tongues.
