1 Cor 14:1-5 (KJV)
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 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. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 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. (Emphasis, mine)
The Matter of Tongues (What Did You Just Say?)
The “confusion of tongues” by Gustave Doré, a woodcut depicting the Tower of Babel from Abrahamic myth. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Some pastors imply or say outright that speaking in tongues is required for salvation. According to 1 Corinthians 14: 1-5, such beliefs are not scriptural. This passage makes it obvious that not everybody in the church spoke in tongues. The Bible does not say that speaking in tongues is essential to salvation. It does say that words spoken in church should edify the entire group of worshipers, not just the person who is speaking in tongues.
All Church Activity Should Build-up the Body of Christ
The church is the body of Christ, and the worship of God is both a private and community activity. In corporate worship, communications must be understood by everyone in attendance. Communication within corporate worship should edify everyone.1 Cor 14:26 says, “Let all things be done unto edifying.” According to Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, the word edifying means “the base of” as in architecture and structure. So what this verse is that the all things done in the church should be for the building-up and strengthening the foundation (in Christ) for everyone.
Speaking in Tongues in Church Requires an Interpreter
By definition, tongues are a language that is not understood by people who are listening. Tongues can be a foreign language or a language that isn’t spoken by any known culture. For this reason, tongues require interpretation in order to fulfill the criteria for edification. Without an interpreter, speaking in tongues should be done as privately as possible. Without someone to interpret, tongues can become a source of confusion in worship services. Confusion in church services does not please God, because He is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Regarding the necessity for understanding tongues, the Bible has this to say:
1 Cor 14:13-14 (KJV): 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful
1 Cor 14:33 (KJV): 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (Emphasis, mine)
Higher Ground
Worshipping God should take us to higher ground in our faith, understanding, peace of mind, and health. You cannot grow in understanding and trust, if you don’t understand what you hear in church services. Who can act on unintelligible information? Those who speak in an unknown tongue, should pray that they may interpret, so that everyone can understand and be built-up (v. 13).
What All This Means for You
So, if you speak in tongues in church or prayer meetings, remember that the Bible says that an interpreter is necessary so that others can understand and be built-up. So pray that you may able to interpret the tongues that you speak.
If you’re a pastor or group leader, be aware that speaking in tongues is not required for salvation. If you don’t speak in tongues, and you don’t understand tongues: Don’t fret. Use the instruction given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14 to remind yourself that those who speak in tongues in church without an interpreter edify their self. Don’t get distracted or irritated. Continue to listen to the word of God, and pray for the gift of prophecy, which Paul said is greater than speaking in tongues (except where you are able to interpret tongues, v. 5).
Whether you speak tongues or not, interpret or not: Praise, praise, listen, learn, and be built-up. Be a witness to the order and power of God!
May these words educate and comfort you today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Your friend in Christ
– Verneda
© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
Updated April 11, 2015
