Why We Need to Understand This Gift
The gift of tongues is a supernatural gift given by the Holy Spirit, yet many believers are unsure how to use it in their daily lives. To move in this gift effectively, we must understand what the Bible says about it.
Diversities of Tongues
The Bible says, “to another various kinds of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:10). This means there are different types of tongues, each with a unique purpose.
Some argue that in Acts 2 everyone understood the apostles when they spoke in tongues, but today people speak and no one understands. The truth is—there are varieties of tongues.
Tongues for Unbelievers
On the day of Pentecost, the tongues given to the apostles were a sign for unbelievers. People who had no faith in Jesus heard their own language and were moved to listen to the gospel.
“Tongues, then, are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers…” (1 Corinthians 14:22).
This manifestation was meant to bring non-believers to faith.
Tongues That Speak to God
Another type of tongue is when believers speak to God in mysteries.
“For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but to God; for nobody understands them, since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 14:2).
This shows that tongues can be directed to God, not people. Understanding is not required in such cases—it is the Spirit communicating directly with God.
Interpreting Tongues
When tongues are spoken to people, interpretation is needed. That is why Paul instructs:
“Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret.” (1 Corinthians 14:13).
The existence of interpretation proves that some tongues are not naturally understood, but the Spirit gives meaning through interpretation.
Tongues and the Human Mind
Paul also teaches:
“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unproductive.” (1 Corinthians 14:14).
This means that when we pray in tongues, it is our spirit praying, not our mind.
Scientific Evidence
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania studied brain activity of five women while they spoke in tongues. The results showed their frontal lobes—the part of the brain responsible for thinking and decision-making—were relatively quiet, unlike during normal prayer. This demonstrated that speaking in tongues bypasses conscious thought, proving Paul’s statement that the mind is unfruitful while the spirit prays.
