Speaking in tongues is a significant theme in Christianity, representing a spiritual gift bestowed upon believers. This blog post explores 30 Bible verses about speaking in tongues and goes into its purpose, Jesus’s views, examples, and benefits as described in Scripture. For anyone seeking insight, encouragement, or a deeper understanding of speaking in tongues, these verses offer valuable guidance.
What Did Jesus Say About Speaking in Tongues?
Jesus directly referenced speaking in tongues as a sign that would accompany believers after His ascension. In Mark 16:17 (NIV), He says, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” This promise underscores the spiritual empowerment given to followers and frames speaking in tongues as a divinely sanctioned practice.
This verse highlights Jesus’s acknowledgment of speaking in tongues as an essential sign, meant to strengthen the faith of early believers. It’s also seen as a tool for the spread of the gospel, as speaking in tongues enabled believers to communicate across language barriers in the early church.
What Is the Purpose of Speaking in Tongues in the Bible?
The purpose of speaking in tongues is multi-faceted. Speaking in tongues is often seen as a means to:
- Edify and Encourage Believers: Speaking in tongues builds up the individual spiritually, fostering a closer relationship with God.
- Serve as a Sign to Unbelievers: When used in public gatherings, it can draw the attention of unbelievers to God’s presence.
- Communicate Beyond Language Barriers: In Acts, speaking in tongues was essential for sharing the gospel with people of different languages.
- Enable Deeper Prayer and Worship: Many believers find speaking in tongues helpful for connecting with God on a deeper level during prayer.
Examples of Speaking in Tongues in the Bible
Throughout the New Testament, there are notable instances of speaking in tongues:
- Pentecost (Acts 2:4): This event marks the first instance of speaking in tongues, where the Holy Spirit filled the disciples, and they spoke in languages unknown to them, allowing them to reach people from various regions.
- Peter and Cornelius’s Household (Acts 10:46): Cornelius and his family began speaking in tongues after receiving the Holy Spirit, marking their conversion and acceptance into the Christian community.
- Paul’s Teachings (1 Corinthians 14:18): The Apostle Paul mentions that he speaks in tongues more than others, indicating his strong belief in the practice as part of his spiritual life.
30 Speaking in Tongues Verses
Here are 30 Bible verses that highlight the gift of speaking in tongues, its significance, and its role in the life of believers.
1. 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.”
2. Acts 2:4
- “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
3. 1 Corinthians 14:2
- “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”
4. 1 Corinthians 14:4
- “Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.”
5. 1 Corinthians 12:10
- “To another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”
6. Acts 10:46
- “For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”
7. 1 Corinthians 14:5
- “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.”
8. Acts 19:6
- “When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
9. 1 Corinthians 14:18
- “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.”
10. 1 Corinthians 12:28
- “And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.”
11. Romans 8:26
- “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
12. Jude 1:20
- “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”
13. 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 or a clanging cymbal.”
14. Ephesians 6:18
- “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
15. 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.”
16. 1 Corinthians 14:39
- “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
17. Acts 4:31
- “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
18. Acts 11:15
- “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.”
19. 1 Corinthians 14:22
- “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.”
20. 1 Corinthians 12:30
- “Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?”
21. 1 Corinthians 14:13
- “For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.”
22. 1 Corinthians 12:7
- “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
23. 1 Corinthians 12:31
- “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.”
24. Romans 12:6
- “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.”
25. 1 Corinthians 14:19
- “But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
26. 1 Corinthians 12:11
- “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
27. 2 Timothy 1:6
- “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
28. John 14:26
- “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
29. 1 John 2:20
- “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”
30. Acts 8:17
- “Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Benefits of Speaking in Tongues Verses
The benefits of speaking in tongues can be life-changing for believers, as shown in these verses. Here are a few key benefits:
- Spiritual Edification: Speaking in tongues allows believers to build up their spiritual strength and deepen their relationship with God, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 14:4.
- Enhanced Prayer Life: Romans 8:26 points out that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, even when we do not know what to pray for, providing comfort and alignment with God’s will.
- A Sign of Faith: Mark 16:17 shows that speaking in tongues is a sign for believers, demonstrating the Holy Spirit’s active presence in their lives.
- Empowerment for Ministry: Through the gift of tongues, early believers were empowered to spread the gospel and minister to those around them effectively.
Conclusion
These 30 speaking in tongues verses reveal the spiritual power and purpose behind this gift, offering both guidance and encouragement for believers. By understanding and embracing these teachings, believers can grow in their faith, engage in meaningful prayer, and recognize the divine empowerment that comes with speaking in tongues.
Read also: 20 Powerful Prayer to the Holy Spirit