Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that has sparked both inspiration and curiosity throughout Christian history. For many believers, it’s a deeply personal experience—one that connects them more closely to God through prayer, worship, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible discusses this gift in multiple places, offering insight, instruction, and encouragement.
This blog post will walk you through 35 Bible verses about speaking in tongues. These scriptures will help you understand its role in the early Church, its purpose for believers today, and how it fits into the broader spiritual gifts God has given His people. Whether you’re exploring this gift for the first time or seeking clarity, these verses will serve as a valuable guide.
1. Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Explanation:
This verse marks the first recorded instance of speaking in tongues on the Day of Pentecost. It shows that the gift is a direct result of the Holy Spirit’s power.
2. 1 Corinthians 14:2
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
Explanation:
Speaking in tongues is often a personal, spiritual language directed toward God. It highlights the intimacy and mystery of this gift.
3. Mark 16:17
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.
Explanation:
Jesus listed speaking in tongues as one of the signs that would follow believers, showing it as a valid expression of faith empowered by Him.
4. 1 Corinthians 14:4
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
Explanation:
This verse shows the difference between personal and public spiritual gifts. Speaking in tongues can build up the individual spiritually.
5. Acts 10:46
For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Explanation:
Speaking in tongues is linked with praising God. It was evidence that the Holy Spirit had come upon Gentile believers as well.
6. 1 Corinthians 13:1
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
Explanation:
This verse reminds us that love must be at the heart of all spiritual gifts. Speaking in tongues without love is empty.
7. Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
Explanation:
The gift of tongues was often accompanied by other signs of the Spirit. Here, it was a clear indicator of the Holy Spirit’s arrival.
8. 1 Corinthians 14:18
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.
Explanation:
Paul valued the gift of tongues personally. This shows that it played an important role in his own spiritual life.
9. Joel 2:28
And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.
Explanation:
This prophecy was fulfilled in Acts and continues today. It sets the foundation for the outpouring of spiritual gifts, including tongues.
10. Isaiah 28:11
For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people.
Explanation:
This Old Testament verse is seen as a prophetic reference to the gift of tongues. God uses unexpected ways to speak to people.
11. Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us.
Explanation:
Though not directly naming tongues, this verse reflects how the Spirit can speak through us when we don’t have the words.
12. 1 Corinthians 14:22
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers.
Explanation:
Speaking in tongues can be a powerful sign to nonbelievers, revealing the presence and power of God.
13. Acts 2:6
And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
Explanation:
On Pentecost, tongues served as a bridge between cultures and languages, making the gospel accessible to all.
14. Acts 2:11
We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.
Explanation:
This confirms that the early believers used tongues to glorify God. It was not confusion but divine communication.
15. 1 Corinthians 14:5
I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied.
Explanation:
Paul encourages the gift but also prioritizes what helps the whole church. Both gifts are valuable, but context matters.
16. 1 Corinthians 12:10
To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues.
Explanation:
Tongues is listed as one of many spiritual gifts. Each has a role in strengthening the Church.
17. 1 Corinthians 12:30
Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
Explanation:
This rhetorical question suggests that not every believer will have the same gifts. Diversity is part of God’s design.
18. Jude 1:20
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.
Explanation:
This may refer to praying in tongues. It highlights the role of the Spirit in strengthening our faith.
19. Acts 11:15
And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
Explanation:
This recalls the Pentecost moment and shows that the same Spirit and gifts were poured out again.
20. 1 Corinthians 14:14
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Explanation:
Praying in tongues is a spiritual exercise that may bypass our mind. It connects us directly with God.
21. 1 Corinthians 14:39
Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
Explanation:
Paul cautions against suppressing this gift. Speaking in tongues should not be forbidden but practiced with order.
22. Acts 2:17
I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.
Explanation:
This verse sets the context for the widespread outpouring of spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues.
23. Numbers 11:25
When the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, although they never did so again.
Explanation:
Even in the Old Testament, the Spirit would empower speech for a purpose, a concept expanded in the New Testament.
24. Acts 8:17
Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Explanation:
Receiving the Spirit is often connected to the gifts that follow, including speaking in tongues.
25. Matthew 3:11
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Explanation:
John the Baptist’s words anticipate a powerful spiritual transformation that includes supernatural signs.
26. Acts 4:31
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Explanation:
Though not mentioning tongues directly, being filled with the Spirit often results in empowered speech.
27. 1 Samuel 10:6
Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.
Explanation:
Being filled with the Spirit brings transformation. Though this speaks of prophecy, it parallels the experience of tongues.
28. Acts 1:5
You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.
Explanation:
This sets the stage for the Pentecost event, where tongues first appeared as a sign of the Spirit.
29. 1 Corinthians 14:13
Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
Explanation:
Interpretation helps others benefit from what’s spoken in tongues. Paul encourages this for clarity in the church.
30. 1 Corinthians 14:27
If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.
Explanation:
Paul gives guidelines for orderly worship. Speaking in tongues in public settings should follow structure.
31. 1 Corinthians 14:28
But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
Explanation:
This verse encourages personal use of tongues when interpretation isn’t available. It maintains order while honoring the gift.
32. 1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed these in the church… varieties of tongues.
Explanation:
Tongues are part of the larger structure of the Church’s spiritual gifts, given by God with purpose.
33. 1 Corinthians 12:11
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Explanation:
The Holy Spirit decides who receives which gifts, including tongues. This ensures unity and purpose.
34. Zephaniah 3:9
For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the Lord.
Explanation:
This verse hints at a spiritual unity in speech, possibly related to the gift of tongues and praise.
35. 1 Corinthians 14:12
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
Explanation:
While pursuing spiritual gifts like tongues, the goal should always be to build up the church and serve others.
Embracing the Gift with Wisdom and Faith
The Bible is clear that speaking in tongues is a real and powerful gift from God. It’s a way for the Spirit to work in and through us—sometimes in praise, sometimes in prayer, and sometimes as a sign to others. But like all gifts, it should be used with love, purpose, and order.
How has the gift of speaking in tongues touched your life?
We’d love to hear your experiences, insights, or favorite verses in the comments. Sharing your story may encourage someone else in their journey of faith and understanding.
Let God guide you as you grow in spiritual gifts—and remember, all of them are given for His glory and the good of the body of Christ.