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 accompany them that believe; in my name shall they cast out demons, they shall speak with new tongues;
and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the same Spirit distributing to every one in particular as He sees fit. read more. For as the body is one, and hath many members; but all the parts of this one body, though many, are but one body: so also is the mystical body of Christ; for by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, (whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free) and are all made to drink into one Spirit: for the body is not one member, but many.
Fausets
Mr 16:17; 1/type/worsley'>Ac 2:1-13; 10/46/type/worsley'>10:46; 19/6/type/worsley'>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/worsley'>Ac 2:1-4; 10/46/type/worsley'>10:46; 19/6/type/worsley'>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 replied and said unto them, This wicked and degenerate race demand a sign; but no sign shall be given them, except that of the prophet Jonah: for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. read more. So that the men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgement against this generation, and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the South too, shall rise up in the day of judgement against 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, that went before and that followed, cried saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: blessed be He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
but when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonders that He wrought, and the children crying out in the temple, Hosanna to the Son of David, they were vexed to the heart, and said to Him, Dost thou hear what these say?
Now Jesus being risen early on the first day of the week appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven devils: and she went and told those that used to be with Him, who were mourning and weeping; read more. but they, though they heard that He was indeed alive, and had been seen by her, did not believe it. After this He appeared in another form to two of them as they were walking, going into the country: and they went and told the rest; but they did not believe them neither. At last he appeared to the eleven as they were sitting at table, and upbraided them with their unbelief, and hardness of heart; because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He was risen. And He said unto them, Go to all the world and preach the gospel to every one: he that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be condemned. And these signs shall accompany them that believe; in my name shall they cast out demons, they shall speak with new tongues;
And these signs shall accompany them that believe; in my name shall they cast out demons, they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they should drink any thing poisonous, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall be well. read more. Now the Lord, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached every where, the Lord co-operating with them, and confirming the word by miracles following upon it. Amen.
and he shall drink neither wine nor any other strong liquor; and he shall be filled with the holy Spirit even from his birth;
Now Jesus being full of the holy Spirit, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted by the devil;
And He disappeared from them. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, as He was talking with us by the way, and while He was opening to us the scriptures?
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all met together with one accord.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all met together with one accord.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all met together with one accord. And suddenly there was a sound from heaven as of a strong rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And suddenly there was a sound from heaven as of a strong rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And suddenly there was a sound from heaven as of a strong rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as it were of fire, and it sat upon each of them:
And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as it were of fire, and it sat upon each of them:
And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as it were of fire, and it sat upon each of them: and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
Now there were at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this rumor was spread, the multitude came together and were astonished; for every one heard them speaking in his own language.
And when this rumor was spread, the multitude came together and were astonished; for every one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and wondered, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these, that are speaking, Galileans?
And they were all amazed and wondered, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these, that are speaking, Galileans? and how do we every one hear them in our own native tongue?
and how do we every one hear them in our own native tongue?
and how do we every one hear them in our own native tongue? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers from Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers from Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean?
And they were all amazed and in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine.
but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine.
but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine.
but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine.
but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and listen to my words: read more. for these men are not drunk, as ye suppose; for it is but the third hour of the day.
for these men are not drunk, as ye suppose; for it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel,
But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel, "And it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and 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) that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: yea and on my servants and on my handmaids, in those days, I will pour out of my Spirit, and they also shall prophesy.
yea and on my servants and on my handmaids, in those days, I will pour out of my Spirit, and they also shall prophesy.
for they heard them speaking in divers languages, and glorifying God.
for they heard them speaking in divers languages, and glorifying God.
for they heard them speaking in divers languages, and glorifying God.
And the people, seeing what Paul had done, lifted up their voice, saying in the Lycaonian tongue, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
crying out, and saying, "Sirs, why do ye these things? we also are men subject to the like infirmities with you, and we preach the gospel unto you, that ye may turn from these vanities to the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea,
Now it came to pass while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul having passed through the upper parts of Asia came to Ephesus:
Now it came to pass while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul having passed through the upper parts of Asia came to Ephesus:
And as Paul laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And the men were in all about twelve.
And as Paul laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And the men were in all about twelve.
And as Paul laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And the men were in all about twelve.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
And the Spirit likewise helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for, as we ought: but the Spirit itself intercedes for us with unutterable groans.
I must acquaint you, that no one speaking by the Spirit of God, calleth Jesus a curse: and no one can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghost.
I must acquaint you, that no one speaking by the Spirit of God, calleth Jesus a curse: and no one can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghost.
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues.
Though I will shew you a way yet more excellent.
For if I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am but as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
For if I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am but as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Charity never faileth: but as to prophecies, they shall be abolished; or tongues, they shall cease; or knowledge, it shall be laid aside.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned as a child: but when I became a man, I laid aside childish things.
For he, that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no one understandeth, though in spirit he speaketh mysteries.
He, that speaketh in an unknown tongue, edifieth himself: but he, that prophesieth, edifieth the church. I could wish 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 edification. read more. Now, my brethren, if I come to you speaking with many tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak intelligibly to you of revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or doctrine? As inanimate things which give a found, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall what is piped or harped be understood?
As inanimate things which give a found, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall what is piped or harped be understood? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? read more. So also unless ye utter by the tongue intelligible words, how shall what is spoken be understood? for thus ye will be only talking to the wind. There are, it may be, as many kinds of voices in the world as people, and none of them insignificant. But if I know not the force of the words, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian to me.
But if I know not the force of the words, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian to me.
Wherefore let him, that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret.
Wherefore let him, that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit indeed prayeth, but my meaning is fruitless. read more. What is then to be done? I will pray with the Spirit, but I will pray to be understood: I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing to be understood. For if thou bless in the spirit, how shall the unlearned say Amen to thy thanksgiving, when he knoweth not what thou sayst? thou indeed givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all.
I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all. But in a public assembly I had rather speak five words to be understood, that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. read more. My brethren, be not children in sense: but in malice be infants, and in your judgements shew yourselves to be men.
My brethren, be not children in sense: but in malice be infants, and in your judgements shew yourselves to be men. It is written in the law, "By men of another language, and by other lips, will I speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me, saith the Lord." read more. So that tongues are for a sign, not to believers but to unbelievers: but prophecy not to unbelievers but to those that believe. If then the whole church be come together and all speak in unknown tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say that ye are mad?
If then the whole church be come together and all speak in unknown tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say that ye are mad?
What is then to be done, my brethren? when ye come together, if any of you hath a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation,---let all be done for edification. And if any one speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and that by turns; and let one interpret.
And if any one speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and that by turns; and let one interpret.
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets:
Wherefore, my brethren, be most desirous to prophesy, and yet forbid not to speak with tongues:
If any one love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be made a curse.
I know not, God knoweth) that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unutterable words, which it is not permitted unto man to speak.
And 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 riotous excess; but be filled with the Spirit: speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord:
speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord:
Behold the hire of the laborers, that reaped your fields, of which they are defrauded by you, crieth out against you: and the complaints of the reapers are come into the ears of the Lord of hosts.
And after these things I heard a loud voice as of a great multitude in heaven, saying, Alleluia; salvation, and glory, and honor, and power to the Lord our God: for true and righteous are his judgements;
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the noise of many waters, and as the sound of mighty thunders, saying, Alleluia, for the Lord God the almighty 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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and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.
but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine.
for they heard them speaking in divers languages, and glorifying God.
And when I began to speak, the holy Spirit fell on them, even as it did upon us at the beginning.
And the people, seeing what Paul had done, lifted up their voice, saying in the Lycaonian tongue, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
But the apostles Barnabas and Paul, when they heard of it, rent their clothes, and ran in among the people,
She following Paul and us, cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, who shew us the way of salvation.
and spake boldly, disputing with them for the space of three months, and persuading them of the things concerning the kingdom of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
And the Spirit likewise helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for, as we ought: but the Spirit itself intercedes for us with unutterable groans.
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
have all miraculous powers? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak many languages? do all interpret? but ye are all zealous for the best gifts.
Charity never faileth: but as to prophecies, they shall be abolished; or tongues, they shall cease; or knowledge, it shall be laid aside.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit indeed prayeth, but my meaning is fruitless.
I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all.
If then the whole church be come together and all speak in unknown tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say that ye are mad?
If then the whole church be come together and all speak in unknown tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say that ye are mad?
but let all things be done decently and in order.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your 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/worsley'>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 the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues.
have all miraculous powers? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak many languages? do all interpret? but ye are all zealous for the best gifts.
For if I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am but as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Charity never faileth: but as to prophecies, they shall be abolished; or tongues, they shall cease; or knowledge, it shall be laid aside.
For he, that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no one understandeth, though in spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he, that prophesieth, speaketh edification, and exhortation, and comfort to men. read more. He, that speaketh in an unknown tongue, edifieth himself: but he, that prophesieth, edifieth the church. I could wish 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 edification. Now, my brethren, if I come to you speaking with many tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak intelligibly to you of revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or doctrine? As inanimate things which give a found, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall what is piped or harped be understood? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? So also unless ye utter by the tongue intelligible words, how shall what is spoken be understood? for thus ye will be only talking to the wind. There are, it may be, as many kinds of voices in the world as people, and none of them insignificant. But if I know not the force of the words, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian to me. So ye also, since ye are so desirous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound in them to the edification of the church. Wherefore let him, that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit indeed prayeth, but my meaning is fruitless. What is then to be done? I will pray with the Spirit, but I will pray to be understood: I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing to be understood. For if thou bless in the spirit, how shall the unlearned say Amen to thy thanksgiving, when he knoweth not what thou sayst? thou indeed givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all. But in a public assembly I had rather speak five words to be understood, that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. My brethren, be not children in sense: but in malice be infants, and in your judgements shew yourselves to be men. It is written in the law, "By men of another language, and by other lips, will I speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me, saith the Lord."
It is written in the law, "By men of another language, and by other lips, will I speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me, saith the Lord." So that tongues are for a sign, not to believers but to unbelievers: but prophecy not to unbelievers but to those that believe. read more. If then the whole church be come together and all speak in unknown tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in an unbeliever, or one unlearned, he is convinced by all, he is judged by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are made manifest; so that falling down upon his face he will worship God, declaring that God is indeed among you. What is then to be done, my brethren? when ye come together, if any of you hath a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation,---let all be done for edification. And if any one speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and that by turns; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him be silent in the assembly; and let him speak to himself and to God. And let but two or three of the prophets speak, and the others judge. And if any thing be revealed to another sitting by, let the first have done speaking before the other begins. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may 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 we see in all the assemblies of the saints. Let your women be silent in your assemblies: for it is not permitted to them to speak, but they are to be in subjection, as the law saith. And if they would learn any thing, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it does not become women to speak in a public assembly. Did the word of God come out first from you? or did it come to you only? If any one seem to be a prophet, or acted by the Spirit, let him acknowlege that what I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any will be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, my brethren, be most desirous to prophesy, and yet 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 take you up, be not sollicitous how, or what ye shall say; for ye shall be taught in that very instant what ye shall speak: for it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh by you.
But when they shall lead you to deliver you up, be not anxiously careful beforehand what ye shall speak, neither premeditate: but whatever shall be suggested to you at that very time, this speak: for it is not you that speak, but the holy Spirit.
And these signs shall accompany them that believe; in my name shall they cast out demons, they shall speak with new tongues;
And these signs shall accompany them that believe; in my name shall they cast out demons, they shall speak with new tongues;
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all met together with one accord.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all met together with one accord. And suddenly there was a sound from heaven as of a strong rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And suddenly there was a sound from heaven as of a strong rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as it were of fire, and it sat upon each of them:
And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as it were of fire, and it sat upon each of them: and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
Now there were at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this rumor was spread, the multitude came together and were astonished; for every one heard them speaking in his own language.
And when this rumor was spread, the multitude came together and were astonished; for every one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and wondered, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these, that are speaking, Galileans?
And they were all amazed and wondered, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these, that are speaking, Galileans? and how do we every one hear them in our own native tongue?
and how do we every one hear them in our own native tongue? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers from Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers from Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean?
And they were all amazed and in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine.
for they heard them speaking in divers languages, and glorifying God. Then said Peter, Can any one forbid water, that these persons should not be baptized, who have received the holy Spirit, as well as we?
And when I began to speak, the holy Spirit fell on them, even as it did upon us at the beginning.
As therefore God gave to them the like gift that He did to us, upon our believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I should be able to withstand God?
said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up, and walked. And the people, seeing what Paul had done, lifted up their voice, saying in the Lycaonian tongue, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
And the people, seeing what Paul had done, lifted up their voice, saying in the Lycaonian tongue, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercury; because he was the chief speaker. read more. And the priest of Jupiter, whose image was before the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and with the people would have offered sacrifices to them. But the apostles Barnabas and Paul, when they heard of it, rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, "Sirs, why do ye these things? we also are men subject to the like infirmities with you, and we preach the gospel unto you, that ye may turn from these vanities to the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things therein, who in generations past suffered all the nations to walk in their own ways: though He left not Himself without witness;
And as Paul laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And the men were in all about twelve.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; read more. to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues.
And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? read more. have all miraculous powers? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak many languages? do all interpret? but ye are all zealous for the best gifts.
For if I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am but as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Labour after charity, and be desirous of spiritual gifts: but especially that ye may prophesy.
What is then to be done? I will pray with the Spirit, but I will pray to be understood: I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing to be understood. For if thou bless in the spirit, how shall the unlearned say Amen to thy thanksgiving, when he knoweth not what thou sayst?