Speaking in tongues and its interpretation is one of the most intriguing and sometimes misunderstood gifts mentioned in the Bible. For many believers, this spiritual gift is a deeply personal and powerful experience.
For others, it raises questions about order, meaning, and purpose in worship. Regardless of where you stand, Scripture offers clear and inspiring guidance.
The Bible not only talks about the gift of tongues but also emphasizes the importance of interpretation. These two gifts work together to edify the church and draw attention to God’s power and presence.
If you’re seeking understanding, clarity, or encouragement about this topic, these verses will help shine a light on God’s intent for spiritual gifts within the body of Christ.
Let’s dive into 35 Bible verses about speaking in tongues and interpretation and discover how they can guide, inspire, and strengthen your faith journey.
1. 1 Corinthians 14:27
If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.
Explanation:
This verse emphasizes order and clarity in worship. Speaking in tongues should be accompanied by interpretation so that the church can understand and be edified.
2. 1 Corinthians 14:13
For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.
Explanation:
Those who speak in tongues are encouraged to also seek the gift of interpretation to ensure their message benefits the church.
3. Acts 2:4
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Explanation:
The first occurrence of speaking in tongues happened at Pentecost, showing it as a supernatural sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
4. 1 Corinthians 14:5
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy…
Explanation:
Paul values speaking in tongues but makes it clear that prophecy, or speaking clearly to the church, is more beneficial unless tongues are interpreted.
5. 1 Corinthians 12:10
…to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
Explanation:
Tongues and interpretation are both listed as spiritual gifts, showing their unique purpose in building up the church.
6. 1 Corinthians 14:2
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God…
Explanation:
This verse shows that speaking in tongues can be a form of direct communication with God—often personal and spiritual.
7. 1 Corinthians 14:14
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
Explanation:
Praying in tongues is a spiritual experience that bypasses the natural mind, which is why interpretation is needed for public understanding.
8. Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.
Explanation:
Jesus Himself prophesied that speaking in tongues would be a sign among believers, affirming it as a valid gift.
9. Acts 10:46
For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Explanation:
Speaking in tongues often occurs alongside praise and worship, reflecting a spirit-filled moment.
10. Acts 19:6
When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Explanation:
This event shows how the Holy Spirit’s empowerment can result in multiple spiritual gifts being activated.
11. Jude 1:20
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit…
Explanation:
Praying in the Spirit, which includes tongues, is a way to strengthen your personal faith.
12. Romans 8:26
We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Explanation:
This verse speaks to the Spirit’s role in helping us pray when we don’t know what to say, often linked with speaking in tongues.
13. 1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has placed in the church…different kinds of tongues.
Explanation:
Paul includes tongues among other important spiritual roles, showing its value when used properly.
14. 1 Corinthians 14:28
If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church…
Explanation:
This instruction protects order and clarity in public worship, stressing the need for interpretation.
15. Acts 2:6
When they heard this sound, a crowd came together… because each one heard their own language being spoken.
Explanation:
The miracle at Pentecost was not confusion but clarity—people heard God’s message in their own language.
16. 1 Corinthians 14:12
Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.
Explanation:
Paul encourages believers to seek gifts that edify others, not just personal experiences.
17. Isaiah 28:11
Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people.
Explanation:
This Old Testament prophecy is seen as pointing to the New Testament gift of tongues.
18. 1 Corinthians 14:9
Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying?
Explanation:
Paul points out the importance of clarity—unintelligible speech without interpretation doesn’t benefit others.
19. Acts 11:15
The Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.
Explanation:
Peter recalls the Gentiles receiving the Spirit and speaking in tongues, confirming that this gift isn’t limited by race or background.
20. Numbers 11:25
When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but did not do so again.
Explanation:
Though not about tongues directly, it shows how the Spirit empowers speech for divine purposes.
21. Acts 8:17-18
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Explanation:
Receiving the Spirit often came with visible evidence like tongues or prophecy, showing God’s power at work.
22. 1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong…
Explanation:
Love must be the foundation of every spiritual gift, including tongues.
23. Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Explanation:
Paul encourages Spirit-led prayer regularly, which many believe includes praying in tongues.
24. Acts 2:3
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
Explanation:
The visual manifestation of the Spirit at Pentecost emphasized the uniqueness of this divine moment.
25. Zephaniah 3:9
Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord…
Explanation:
A vision of unified, Spirit-led worship—possibly hinting at the gift of tongues.
26. 1 Samuel 10:6
The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you… and you will be changed into a different person.
Explanation:
Transformation by the Spirit often results in bold speech or supernatural acts.
27. 1 Corinthians 14:19
But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words… than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Explanation:
Paul values understanding in worship. Interpretation ensures that the church benefits from the message.
28. Revelation 7:9
A great multitude…from every nation…standing before the throne…
Explanation:
This heavenly picture of unity may echo the miraculous diversity of tongues at Pentecost.
29. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all…
Explanation:
Spiritual gifts should be welcomed but tested and used with wisdom and order.
30. Joel 2:28
I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy…
Explanation:
Joel’s prophecy pointed forward to Pentecost and the outpouring of spiritual gifts like tongues.
31. 2 Peter 1:21
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets… spoke from God…
Explanation:
God inspires spiritual speech, whether in tongues, prophecy, or teaching.
32. John 14:26
The Holy Spirit…will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Explanation:
The Spirit helps believers speak truth, whether in known languages or spiritual gifts like tongues.
33. Nehemiah 9:20
You gave your good Spirit to instruct them…
Explanation:
God’s Spirit has always guided His people, including through supernatural speech.
34. Matthew 10:20
For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Explanation:
This verse confirms that the Holy Spirit empowers speech for God’s purposes.
35. Titus 3:5-6
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit…
Explanation:
All spiritual gifts flow from the Holy Spirit, who renews and equips believers for God’s work.
Conclusion
Speaking in tongues and interpretation are powerful gifts meant to glorify God and build up His church. These 35 verses show that while tongues are a personal and spiritual gift, their full impact is realized when interpretation brings clarity and encouragement to the body of believers.
The Bible invites us to seek spiritual gifts with humility and love, always pointing back to Jesus as the center of it all.
Have you experienced or witnessed speaking in tongues or interpretation?
We’d love to hear how these gifts have impacted your faith journey. Share your story or favorite verse in the comments and encourage others in their walk with the Holy Spirit.