Reference: Tongues, Gift of
Easton
granted on the day of Pentecost (Ac 2:4), in fulfilment of a promise Christ had made to his disciples (Mr 16:17). What this gift actually was has been a subject of much discussion. Some have argued that it was merely an outward sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit among the disciples, typifying his manifold gifts, and showing that salvation was to be extended to all nations. But the words of Luke (Ac 2:9) clearly show that the various peoples in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost did really hear themselves addressed in their own special language with which they were naturally acquainted (comp. Joe 2:28-29).
Among the gifts of the Spirit the apostle enumerates in 1Co 12:10-14:30, "divers kinds of tongues" and the "interpretation of tongues." This "gift" was a different manifestation of the Spirit from that on Pentecost, although it resembled it in many particulars. Tongues were to be "a sign to them that believe not."
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And these signs shall follow those that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia,
to another miraculous powers; to another prophecy; to another discernments of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these things worketh that one and the same Spirit, distributing peculiar gifts to every one even as he wills. read more. For as the body is one, and hath many members, but all the members of that one body, though many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we all have been baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free men; and we have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.
Fausets
Mr 16:17; 1/type/haweis'>Ac 2:1-13; 10/46/type/haweis'>10:46; 19/6/type/haweis'>19:6,1 Corinthians 12,14. The Alexandrinus manuscript confirms Mr 16:9-20; The Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts, omit it; "they shall speak with "new" ("not known before", kainais) tongues"; this promise is not restricted to apostles; "these signs shall follow them that believe." a proof to the unbelieving that believers were under a higher power than mere enthusiasm or imagination. The "rushing mighty wind" on Pentecost is paralleled in Eze 1:24; 37:1-14; 43:2; Ge 1:2; 1Ki 19:11; 2Ch 5:14; Ps 104:3-4. The "tongues like as of fire" in the establishing of the New Testament church answer to Ex 19:18, at the giving of the Old Testament law on Sinai, and Eze 1:4 "a fire enfolding itself"; compare Jer 23:29; Lu 24:32.
They were "cloven" (diamerizomenai), rather distributed to them severally. The disciples were "filled with the Holy Spirit"; as John the Baptist and our Lord (Lu 1:15; 4:1). "They began to speak with "other" (heterais, different from their ordinary) tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." Then "the multitude were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language; and they marveled saying, Behold are not all these which speak Galileans? and how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born, the wonderful works of God?" This proves that as Babel brought as its penalty the confusion of tongues, so the Pentecostal gift of tongues symbolizes the reunion of the scattered nations. Still praise, not teaching, was the invariable use made of the gift. The places where tongues were exercised were just where there was least need of preaching in foreign tongues (1/type/haweis'>Ac 2:1-4; 10/46/type/haweis'>10:46; 19/6/type/haweis'>19:6,1 Corinthians 14).
Tongues were not at their command whenever they pleased to teach those of different languages. The gift came, like prophesying, only in God's way and time (Ac 2:1-18; 10:46; 19:6). No express mention is made of any apostle or evangelist preaching in any tongue save Greek or Hebrew (Aramaic). Probably Paul did so in Lycaonia (Ac 14:11,15; he says (1Co 14:18) "I speak with tongues (the Vaticanus manuscript, but the Sinaiticus and the Alexandrinus manuscripts 'with a tongue') more than ye all." Throughout his long notice of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 he never alludes to their use for making one's self intelligible to foreigners. This would have been the natural use for him to have urged their possessors to put them to, instead of interrupting church worship at home by their unmeaning display.
Papias (in Eusebius, H. E. iii. 30) says Mark accompanied Peter as an "interpreter," i.e. to express in appropriate language Peter's thought, so that the gift of tongues cannot have been in Papias' view a continuous gift with that apostle. Aramaic Hebrew, Greek, and Latin (the three languages over the cross) were the general media of converse throughout the civilised world, owing to Alexander's empire first, then the Roman. The epistles are all in Greek, not only to Corinth, but to Thessalonica, Philippi, Rome. Ephesus, and Colosse. The term used of "tongues" (apofthengesthai, not only lalein) implies a solemn utterance as of prophets or inspired musicians (Septuagint 1Ch 25:1; Eze 13:9). In the first instance (Acts 2) the tongues were used in doxology; but when teaching followed it was in ordinary language, understood by the Jews, that Peter spoke.
Those who spoke with tongues seemed to beholders as if "full of new wide," namely, excited and enthusiastic (Ac 2:13,15-18), in a state raised out of themselves. Hence, Paul contrasts the being "drunk with wine" with being "filled with the Spirit, speaking in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" (Eph 5:18-19). The ecstatic songs of praise in the Old Testament, poured out by the prophets and their disciples, and the inspired musicians of the sanctuary, correspond (1Sa 10:5-13; 19:20-24; 1Ch 25:3). In 1 Corinthians 12 and 1 Corinthians 14 tongues are placed lowest in the scale of gifts (1Co 12:31; 14:5). Their three characteristics were:
(1) all ecstatic state of comparative rapt unconsciousness, the will being acted on by a power from above;
(2) words uttered, often unintelligible;
(3) languages spoken which ordinarily the speaker could not speak.
They, like prophesyings, were under control of their possessors (1Co 14:32), and needed to be kept in due order, else confusion in church meetings would ensue (1Co 14:23,39). The tongues, as evidencing a divine power raising them above themselves, were valued by Paul; but they suited the childhood (1Co 14:20; 13:11), as prophesying or inspired preaching the manhood, of the Christian life. The possessor of the tongue "spoke mysteries," praying, blessing, and giving thanks, but no one understood him; the "spirit" (pneuma) but not "understanding" (nous) was active (1Co 14:14-19). Yet he might edify himself (1Co 14:4) with a tongue which to bystanders seemed a madman's ravings, but to himself was the expression of ecstatic adoration. "Five words" spoken "with the understanding" so as to "teach others" are preferable to "ten thousand in an unknown tongue."
In Isa 28:9-12 God virtually says of Israel, "this people hear Me not though I speak to them in their familiar tongue, I will therefore speak to them in other tongues, namely, that of the foes whom I will send against them, yet even then they will not hearken to Me." Paul thus applies it: ye see it is a penalty to encouuter men of a strange tongue, yet this you impose on the church by abusing instead of using the tongue intelligibly. Speakers in foreign tongues speak like "children weaned from the milk, with stammering lips," ridiculous because unintelligible to the hearers (Isa 28:14), or like babbling drunkards (Ac 2:13), or madmen (1Co 14:20-23).
Thus, Isaiah (Isa 28:9-14) shows that "tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not." Tongues either awaken to spiritual attention the unconverted or, if despised, condemn (compare "sign" in a condemnatory sense, Eze 4:3-4; Mt 12:39-42), those who, like Israel, reject the sign and the accompanying message; compare Ac 2:8,13; 1Co 14:22; "yet, for all that will they not hear Me," even such miraculous signs fail to arouse them; therefore since they will not understand they shall not understand. "Tongues of men" and "divers kinds of tongues" (1Co 12:10,28; 13:1) imply diversity, which applies certainly to languages, and includes also the kind of tongues which was a spiritual language unknown to man, uttered in ecstasy (1Co 14:2). It was only by "interpreting" that the "understanding" accompanied the tongues.
He who spoke (praying) in a tongue should pray that he might (be able to) interpret for edification of the church (1Co 14:13,26-27). Hebrew and Aramaic words spoken in the spirit or quoted from the Old Testament often produced a more solemn effect upon Greeks than the corresponding Greek terms; Compare 1Co 16:22, Maranatha, 1Co 12:3; Lord of sabaoth, Jas 5:4; Abba, the adoption cry, Ro 8:15; Ga 4:6; Alleluia, Re 19:1,6; Hosannah, Mt 21:9,15. "Tongues of angels" (1Co 13:1) are such as Daniel and John in Revelation heard; and Paul, when caught up to paradise (2Co 12:4).
An intonation in speaking with tongues is implied in Paul's comparison to the tones of the harp and pipe, which however he insists have distinction of sounds, and therefore so ought possessors of tongues to speak intelligibly by interpreting their sense afterward, or after awakening spiritual attention by the mysterious tongue they ought then to follow with "revelation, knowledge, prophesying or doctrine" (1Co 14:6-11); otherwise the speaker with a tongue will be "a barbarian," i.e. a foreigner in language to the hearer. A musical tone would also be likely in uttering hymns and doxologies, which were the subject matter of the utterance by tongues (Ac 2:11). The "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Ro 8:26) and the "melody in the heart" (Eph 5:19) show us how even inarticulate speech like the tongues may edify, though less edifying than articulate and intelligible prophesying or preaching.
Either the speaker with a tongue or a listener might have the gift of interpreting, so he might bring forth deep truths from the seemingly inc
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But he answered and said unto them, A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign; and no sign shall be given it, but the sign of Jonah the prophet: for as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights; so shall the Son of man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. read more. The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment against this generation, and condemn it: for they repented on the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South shall rise up in judgment against the men of this generation, and condemn it: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
and the multitudes who went before, and who followed after, cried, saying, Hosanna, to the son of David; blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
But when the chief priests and scribes saw the marvellous acts which he did, and the children crying out in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were filled with indignation;
Now being arisen early, on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. She going, told it to those who had been with him, as they were wailing and weeping. read more. And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, gave no credit to her. Then after this, he was manifested under another form, to two of them as they were walking, and going into the country. And they came back and told the news to the rest; neither did they believe them. Afterwards he shewed himself to the eleven, as they were sitting at table, and upbraided them for their infidelity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; and he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow those that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
And these signs shall follow those that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly potion, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover health. read more. Then the Lord, after having thus spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. But they going forth preached every where, the Lord working mightily with them, and confirming the word, by attendant miracles.
for he shall be great in the sight of the Lord; and he shall never drink wine, nor any intoxicating liquor; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
THEN Jesus full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the spirit into the wilderness,
And they said to each other, Did not our hearts burn within us, as he talked with us on the road, and as he distinctly opened to us the scriptures?
SO when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with unanimity assembled together.
SO when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with unanimity assembled together.
SO when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with unanimity assembled together. And there came suddenly from heaven a sound as it were of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
And there came suddenly from heaven a sound as it were of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
And there came suddenly from heaven a sound as it were of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there was an appearance to them of divided tongues, as of fire, and it rested on every one of them.
And there was an appearance to them of divided tongues, as of fire, and it rested on every one of them.
And there was an appearance to them of divided tongues, as of fire, and it rested on every one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, men of piety, from every nation under heaven.
Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, men of piety, from every nation under heaven. And when this report spread, the multitude collected around them, and were overwhelmed with astonishment, because they heard them speaking every one in his own peculiar dialect.
And when this report spread, the multitude collected around them, and were overwhelmed with astonishment, because they heard them speaking every one in his own peculiar dialect. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying one to another, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying one to another, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how do we hear every man in our own peculiar dialect, in which from our birth we were brought up?
And how do we hear every man in our own peculiar dialect, in which from our birth we were brought up?
And how do we hear every man in our own peculiar dialect, in which from our birth we were brought up? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia,
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, and Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Lybia adjoining Cyrene, and the sojourners, who are Romans, both Jews and proselytes,
and Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Lybia adjoining Cyrene, and the sojourners, who are Romans, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God.
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God.
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God. And they were all amazed, and much perplexed, and knew not what to think, saying one to another, What can this mean?
And they were all amazed, and much perplexed, and knew not what to think, saying one to another, What can this mean? But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine.
But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine.
But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine.
But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine.
But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them; Men of Judea, and all ye who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words: read more. for these men are not, as ye suppose, drunk, for it is only the third hour of the day.
for these men are not, as ye suppose, drunk, for it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel;
But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel; "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour our of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour our of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and upon my servants and my handmaidens in those days will I pour out of my spirit; and they shall prophesy:
and upon my servants and my handmaidens in those days will I pour out of my spirit; and they shall prophesy:
For they heard them speaking in different languages, and magnifying God. Then Peter addressed them,
For they heard them speaking in different languages, and magnifying God. Then Peter addressed them,
For they heard them speaking in different languages, and magnifying God. Then Peter addressed them,
But when the multitudes beheld what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, in the dialect of Lycaonia, saying, The gods in the form of mortals are come down to us.
and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We too are mortals subject to the same infirmities with you; preaching to you the gospel, that ye should turn from these vain things unto the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things which are therein:
NOW it came to pass that during the time Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, after passing through the upper provinces, came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples,
NOW it came to pass that during the time Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, after passing through the upper provinces, came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples,
And Paul laying on them his hands, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And Paul laying on them his hands, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And Paul laying on them his hands, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
For ye have not received a spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye have received a Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father.
In like manner also the Spirit affords assistance to our infirmities: for even this, what we should pray for as we ought, we know not: but the same Spirit more abundantly maketh intercession for us with groanings unutterable.
Wherefore I advertise you, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God, call Jesus anathema: and no man can say, Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost.
Wherefore I advertise you, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God, call Jesus anathema: and no man can say, Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost.
to another miraculous powers; to another prophecy; to another discernments of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
And these also hath God placed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, directors, different kinds of tongues.
But zealously seek the gifts that are the best: and yet I shew unto you a more transcendently excellent way.
THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become as sounding brass, and tinkling cymbal.
THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become as sounding brass, and tinkling cymbal.
Love never faileth: but if there be prophetic gifts, they shall be no more; if tongues, they shall cease; if science, it shall vanish away.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child: but when I grew a man, I put away childish things.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no man understandeth him; although in spirit he speaketh mysterious truths.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue, edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church. Now I could wish that you all spake with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: for greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret also, that the church may receive edification. read more. Now I, brethren, if I should come unto you, speaking in unknown languages, what should I profit you, unless I should speak to you [intelligibly] by revelation, or by science, or by prophecy, or by doctrine? In like manner things inanimate, giving sound, whether the pipe, or the harp, unless they express a distinction in their tones, how shall it be known what is piped, or what is harped?
In like manner things inanimate, giving sound, whether the pipe, or the harp, unless they express a distinction in their tones, how shall it be known what is piped, or what is harped? For if the trumpet also give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? read more. So also ye, unless with the tongue you speak an intelligible discourse, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will speak to the air. For though there are so many different kinds of languages in the world, yet is not one of them without its meaning. If therefore I know not the force of the expression, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.
If therefore I know not the force of the expression, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.
Therefore let him who speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret also.
Therefore let him who speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret also. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my mind produces no fruit. read more. What then is my object? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing psalms with the spirit, and I will sing psalms with the understanding also. Else, though thou bless God in spirit, how shall he who filleth the place of an illiterate man, say Amen after thy thanksgiving, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest? For thou indeed givest thanks to God well, but another man is not edified by it. I thank my God, that I speak with different tongues more than you all:
I thank my God, that I speak with different tongues more than you all: but in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. read more. Brethren, be not children in your minds: though in naughtiness be ye children, but in your minds be men complete.
Brethren, be not children in your minds: though in naughtiness be ye children, but in your minds be men complete. In the law it is written, "That with other tongues, and with other lips, will I speak to this people: and even thus will they not attend to me, saith the Lord." read more. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to those that believe, but to those who do not believe: but the gift of prophecy is not for those who are infidels, but for believers. If then the whole church assemble together in the same place, and all speak different tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say ye are mad?
If then the whole church assemble together in the same place, and all speak different tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say ye are mad?
How comes it then, brethren, that when ye assemble together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? Let all things be done to edification. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and one after another; and let one interpret.
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and one after another; and let one interpret.
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha.
that he was caught up into paradise, and heard ineffable words, which it is not permitted to man to speak.
But because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father!
And be not drunk with wine, in which there is sottishness, but be filled with the Spirit; speaking one to another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in the heart to the Lord;
speaking one to another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in the heart to the Lord;
Behold, the wages of the workmen who have mowed down your fields, which is kept back by you from them, crieth out: and the loud moans of the reapers are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
AND after these things I heard a loud sound as of a vast multitude in heaven, saying, Hallelujah: Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power be to the Lord our God:
And I heard as it were the voice of a vast multitude, and as the noise of many waters, and as the roar of mighty thunderings, saying, Hallelujah: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hastings
TONGUES, GIFT OF
1. In NT we read of 'speaking with tongues' or 'in a tongue' as a remarkable sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; but the exact meaning of the phenomenon described has been much disputed. We may take the passages in the chronological order of writing.
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But after a little while they who stood by, came up and said to Peter, Assuredly thou also art one of them: for even thy speech maketh thee manifest.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia,
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God.
But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine.
Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speaking in different languages, and magnifying God. Then Peter addressed them,
So when I had begun to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, just as on us at the beginning.
But when the multitudes beheld what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, in the dialect of Lycaonia, saying, The gods in the form of mortals are come down to us.
But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard it, they rent their garments, and rushed into the crowd, crying out,
she following Paul and us, cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, who preach to you the way of salvation.
And entering into the synagogue, he spake boldly during three months, reasoning and persuading the things that concern the kingdom of God.
For ye have not received a spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye have received a Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father.
In like manner also the Spirit affords assistance to our infirmities: for even this, what we should pray for as we ought, we know not: but the same Spirit more abundantly maketh intercession for us with groanings unutterable.
to another miraculous powers; to another prophecy; to another discernments of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
Love never faileth: but if there be prophetic gifts, they shall be no more; if tongues, they shall cease; if science, it shall vanish away.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my mind produces no fruit.
I thank my God, that I speak with different tongues more than you all:
If then the whole church assemble together in the same place, and all speak different tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say ye are mad?
If then the whole church assemble together in the same place, and all speak different tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say ye are mad?
Let all things be done with propriety, and orderly.
But because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father!
speaking one to another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in the heart to the Lord;
Morish
This gift was in the early church, and was a sign 'to them that believed not,' in fulfilment of Isa 28:11-12: cf. 1Co 14:21. The gift was exhibited in a special way on the day of Pentecost, when people of many lands heard the wonderful things of God each in his own language. In the assembly these gifts were not to be exercised unless there was present an interpreter, that the saints might be edified. Paul thanked God that he spake with tongues more than all at Corinth; but in the assembly he would rather speak five words through his understanding, that he might teach others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 1Co 12:10,8/type/haweis'>28,30; 13:1,8; 14:2-39.
The expression 'unknown tongue' is unhappy, because it has led some to think that the gift of tongues consisted of a sort of unintelligible gibberish. The word 'unknown' has been added in the A.V., where it should read simply 'tongue.' At Pentecost it was shown that the gift of 'tongues' was in a person speaking a language which he had never learnt, but which was at once understood by those who knew it.
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to another miraculous powers; to another prophecy; to another discernments of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
And these also hath God placed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, directors, different kinds of tongues.
have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become as sounding brass, and tinkling cymbal.
Love never faileth: but if there be prophetic gifts, they shall be no more; if tongues, they shall cease; if science, it shall vanish away.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no man understandeth him; although in spirit he speaketh mysterious truths. But he that prophesieth, addresseth men for edification, and exhortation, and consolation. read more. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue, edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church. Now I could wish that you all spake with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: for greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret also, that the church may receive edification. Now I, brethren, if I should come unto you, speaking in unknown languages, what should I profit you, unless I should speak to you [intelligibly] by revelation, or by science, or by prophecy, or by doctrine? In like manner things inanimate, giving sound, whether the pipe, or the harp, unless they express a distinction in their tones, how shall it be known what is piped, or what is harped? For if the trumpet also give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? So also ye, unless with the tongue you speak an intelligible discourse, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will speak to the air. For though there are so many different kinds of languages in the world, yet is not one of them without its meaning. If therefore I know not the force of the expression, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me. So also ye, if ye zealously affect spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound in them for the edification of the church. Therefore let him who speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret also. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my mind produces no fruit. What then is my object? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing psalms with the spirit, and I will sing psalms with the understanding also. Else, though thou bless God in spirit, how shall he who filleth the place of an illiterate man, say Amen after thy thanksgiving, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest? For thou indeed givest thanks to God well, but another man is not edified by it. I thank my God, that I speak with different tongues more than you all: but in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in your minds: though in naughtiness be ye children, but in your minds be men complete. In the law it is written, "That with other tongues, and with other lips, will I speak to this people: and even thus will they not attend to me, saith the Lord."
In the law it is written, "That with other tongues, and with other lips, will I speak to this people: and even thus will they not attend to me, saith the Lord." Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to those that believe, but to those who do not believe: but the gift of prophecy is not for those who are infidels, but for believers. read more. If then the whole church assemble together in the same place, and all speak different tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and any infidel or illiterate person come in, he receives conviction from all, he is judged of all: and thus the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, declaring that God verily is among you. How comes it then, brethren, that when ye assemble together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? Let all things be done to edification. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and one after another; and let one interpret. But if there be not an interpreter, let him be silent in the church; but let him speak to himself and to God. Let the prophets two or three speak, and let the others judge. But if any thing should be revealed to one sitting by, let the first be silent. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of his saints. Let your women be silent in the churches: for it is not permitted to them to speak: but to be in subjection, as also the law saith. But if they will learn any thing, let them ask their own husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. Went the word of God from you? or came it unto you only? If any man thinketh that he is a prophet, or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that the things which I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
Smith
Tongues, Gift of.
I. glotta, or glossa, the word employed throughout the New Testament for the gift now under consideration, is used-- (1) for the bodily organ of speech; (2) for a foreign word imported and half-naturalized in Greek; (3) in Hellenistic Greek, for "speech" or "language." The received traditional view, which starts from the third meaning, and sees in the gift of tongues a distinctly linguistic power, is the more correct one. II. The chief passages from which we have to draw our conclusion as to the nature and purpose of the gift in question are-- 1.
2
3
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... III. The promise of a new power coming from the divine Spirit, giving not only comfort and insight into truth, but fresh powers of utterance of some kind, appears once and again in our Lord's teaching. The disciples are to take no thought what they shall speak, for the spirit of their Father shall speak in them.
The lips of Galilean peasants are to speak freely and boldly before kings. The promise of our Lord to his disciples, "They shall speak with new tongues,"
was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when cloven tongues like fire sat upon the disciples, and "every man heard them speak in his own language."
IV. The wonder of the day of Pentecost is, in its broad features, familiar enough to us. What views have men actually taken of a phenomenon so marvellous and exceptional? The prevalent belief of the Church has been that in the Pentecostal gift the disciples received a supernatural knowledge of all such languages as they needed for their work as evangelists. The knowledge was permanent. Widely diffused as this belief has been it must be remembered that it goes beyond the data with which the New Testament supplies us. Such instance of the gift recorded in the Acts connects it not with the work of teaching, but with that of praise and adoration; not with the normal order of men's lives but with exceptional epochs in them. The speech of St. Peter which follows, like meet other speeches addressed to a Jerusalem audience, was spoken apparently in Aramaic. When St. Paul, who "spake with tongues more than all," was at Lystra, there is no mention made of his using the language of Lycaonia. It is almost implied that he did not understand it.
Not one word in the discussion of spiritual gifts in 1Cor 12-14 implies that the gift was of this nature, or given for this purpose. Nor, it may be added, within the limits assigned the providence of God to the working of the apostolic Church,was such a gift necessary. Aramaic, Greek, Latin, the three languages of the inscription on the cross were media, of intercourse throughout the empire. Some interpreters have seen their way to another solution of the difficulty by changing the character of the miracle. It lay not in any new character bestowed on the speakers, but in the impression produced on the hearers. Words which the Galilean disciples uttered in their own tongue were heard as in their native speech by those who listened. There are, it is believed, weighty reasons against both the earlier and later forms of this hypothesis.
1. It is at variance with the distinct statement of
They began to speak with other tongues.
2. It at once multiplies the miracle and degrades its character. Not the 120 disciples, but the whole multitude of many thousands, are in this case the subjects of it.
3. It involves an element of falsehood. The miracle, on this view, was wrought to make men believe what was not actually the fact.
4. It is altogether inapplicable to the phenomena of
... Critics of a negative school have, as might be expected, adopted the easier course of rejecting the narrative either altogether or in part. What then, are, the facts actually brought before us? What inferences may be legitimately drawn from them? (a) The utterance of words by the disciples, in other languages than their own Galilean Aramaic, is distinctly asserted. (b) The words spoken appear to have been determined, not by the will of the speakers, but by the Spirit which "gave them utterance." (c) The word used, apoftheggesthai, has in the LXX. a special association with the oracular speech of true or false prophets, and appears to imply a peculiar, perhaps physical, solemn intonation. Comp.
(d) The "tongues" were used as an instrument not of teaching, but of praise. (e) Those who spoke them seemed to others to be under the influence of some strong excitement, "full of new wine." (f) Questions as to the mode of operation of a power above the common laws of bodily or mental life lead us to a region where our words should be "wary and few." It must be remembered then, that in all likelihood such words as they then uttered had been heard by the disciples before. The difference was that before the Galilean peasants had stood in that crowd neither heeding nor understanding nor remembering what they heard, still less able to reproduce it; now they had the power of speaking it clearly and freely. The divine work would in this case take the form of a supernatural exaltation of the memory, not of imparting a miraculous knowledge of words never heard before. (g) The gift of tongues, the ecstatic burst of praise, is definitely asserted to be a fulfillment of the prediction of
We are led, therefore, to look for that which answers to the gift of tongues in the other element of prophecy which is included in the Old Testament use of the word; and this is found in the ecstatic praise, the burst of sang.
1Sa 10:5-13; 19:20-24; 1Ch 25:3
(h) The other instances in the Acts offer essentially the same phenomena. By implication in ch.
by express statement in ch.
it belongs to special critical epochs. V. The First Epistle to the Corinthians supplies fuller data. The spiritual gifts are classified and compared arranged, apparently, according to their worth. The facts which may be gathered are briefly these:
1. The phenomena of the gift of tongues were not confined to one church or section of a church.
2. The comparison of gifts, in both the lists given by St. Paul --
places that of tongues and the interpretation of tongues lowest in the scale.
3. The main characteristic of the "tongue" is that it is unintelligible. The man "speaks mysteries," prays, blesses, gives thanks, in the tongue,
but no one understands him.
4. The peculiar nature of the gift leads the apostle into what at first appears a contradiction. "Tongues are for a sign," not to believers, but to those who do not believe; yet the effect on unbelievers is not that of attracting, but of repelling. They involve of necessity a disturbance of the equilibrium between the understanding and the feeling. Therefore it is that, for those who believe already, prophecy is the greater gift.
5. The "tongues," however, must be regarded as real languages. The "divers kinds of tongues."
the "tongues of men,"
point to differences of some kind and it is easier to conceive of these as differences of language than as belonging to utterances all equally mild and inarticulate.
6. Connected with the "tongues" there was the corresponding power of interpretation. VI.
1. Traces of the gift are found in the Epistles to the Romans, the Galatians, the Ephesians. From the Pastoral Epistles, from those of St. Peter and St. John, they are altogether absent, and this is in itself significant.
2. It is probable, however, that the disappearance of the "tongues" was gradual. There must have been a time when "tongues" were still heard, though less frequently and with less striking results. For the most part, however, the pierce which they had filled in the worship of the Church was supplied by the "hymns and spiritual songs" of the succeeding age, after this, within the Church we lose nearly all traces of them. The gift of the day of Pentecost belonged to a critical epoch, not to the continuous life of the Church. It implied a disturbance of the equilibrium of man's normal state but it was not the instrument for building up t
See Verses Found in Dictionary
But when they shall deliver you up, be under no anxiety what ye shall say; for it shall be given you in that very hour what ye should speak: for it is not you who are speaking, but the Spirit of your Father which is speaking in you.
But when delivering you up, they shall bring you to the bar, be not previously anxious what ye shall say, neither premeditate: for it shall be given to you at that very hour, what ye shall speak: for it is not you, who are speaking, but the Holy Ghost.
And these signs shall follow those that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
And these signs shall follow those that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
SO when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with unanimity assembled together.
SO when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with unanimity assembled together. And there came suddenly from heaven a sound as it were of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
And there came suddenly from heaven a sound as it were of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there was an appearance to them of divided tongues, as of fire, and it rested on every one of them.
And there was an appearance to them of divided tongues, as of fire, and it rested on every one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, men of piety, from every nation under heaven.
Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, men of piety, from every nation under heaven. And when this report spread, the multitude collected around them, and were overwhelmed with astonishment, because they heard them speaking every one in his own peculiar dialect.
And when this report spread, the multitude collected around them, and were overwhelmed with astonishment, because they heard them speaking every one in his own peculiar dialect. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying one to another, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying one to another, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how do we hear every man in our own peculiar dialect, in which from our birth we were brought up?
And how do we hear every man in our own peculiar dialect, in which from our birth we were brought up? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia,
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, and Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Lybia adjoining Cyrene, and the sojourners, who are Romans, both Jews and proselytes,
and Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Lybia adjoining Cyrene, and the sojourners, who are Romans, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God.
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God. And they were all amazed, and much perplexed, and knew not what to think, saying one to another, What can this mean?
And they were all amazed, and much perplexed, and knew not what to think, saying one to another, What can this mean? But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine.
For they heard them speaking in different languages, and magnifying God. Then Peter addressed them, Can any one forbid the water for baptising these persons, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
So when I had begun to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, just as on us at the beginning.
If God then gave an equal gift to them even as to us, on believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; I, indeed, who was I, that I should be able to restrain God?
said with a loud voice, Stand up firm on thy feet! And he leaped and walked. But when the multitudes beheld what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, in the dialect of Lycaonia, saying, The gods in the form of mortals are come down to us.
But when the multitudes beheld what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, in the dialect of Lycaonia, saying, The gods in the form of mortals are come down to us. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he principally led the discourse. read more. Then the priest of Jupiter, who was the presiding deity of their city, brought bulls and garlands unto the gates of the city, and intended to offer a sacrifice with the people. But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard it, they rent their garments, and rushed into the crowd, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We too are mortals subject to the same infirmities with you; preaching to you the gospel, that ye should turn from these vain things unto the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things which are therein: who in the past generations hath suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
And Paul laying on them his hands, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
For to one man by the Spirit is given wise discourse; but to another speech [communicative] of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing [diseases] by the same Spirit; read more. to another miraculous powers; to another prophecy; to another discernments of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
And these also hath God placed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, directors, different kinds of tongues.
And these also hath God placed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, directors, different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? read more. have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become as sounding brass, and tinkling cymbal.
FOLLOW earnestly after love, and zealously seek spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
What then is my object? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing psalms with the spirit, and I will sing psalms with the understanding also. Else, though thou bless God in spirit, how shall he who filleth the place of an illiterate man, say Amen after thy thanksgiving, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?