What is the purpose of interpreting tongues?

Definition and Context

Speaking in tongues, also referred to as “glossolalia,” appears in the New Testament as a spiritual gift given to certain individuals for the building up of the community of believers. Interpretation of tongues is a complementary gift that renders the otherwise incomprehensible speech understandable. According to the record preserved in manuscripts and consistently transmitted through the centuries, the overarching purpose centers on edification, proper order in worship, and glory to God.

In the broader sweep of Scripture’s historical reliability—supported by early papyri such as P52 and codices like Vaticanus and Sinaiticus—these passages in 1 Corinthians stand firmly attested. Archaeological discoveries (e.g., the Dead Sea Scrolls) have also underscored the high degree of textual integrity in ancient manuscripts, lending confidence to what the biblical authors wrote about the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues and their interpretation.

Scriptural Foundations

In the New Testament, the primary discussion of both speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues occurs in 1 Corinthians 12–14. These chapters detail how spiritual gifts function in the context of worship, and they repeatedly emphasize the importance of understanding and edification.

“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 14:2)

In the same passage, the apostle Paul proceeds to instruct believers on the subsequent need for interpretation:

“Therefore the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.” (1 Corinthians 14:13)

Purpose of Interpretation

Interpretation of tongues serves to ensure that the entire congregation can benefit from what God is revealing through an otherwise unintelligible utterance. The teaching is twofold:

1. Corporate Edification

1 Corinthians 14:5 states: “He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.” The goal is not personal display but collective strengthening of faith. Interpretation brings clarity, allowing the message to be instructive rather than cryptic.

2. Orderly Worship

In 1 Corinthians 14:27–28, the instruction is clear that if anyone speaks in tongues, there should be an interpreter present; otherwise, the speaker should remain silent in the church. This falls under broader biblical principles that worship should be done in an orderly manner for mutual encouragement and learning.

Role in Corporate Worship

Interpretation of tongues also testifies to the divine origin of the message. By enabling others to understand, the interpreter removes confusion and fosters unity. Early Christian writings (e.g., those of the second-century bishop Irenaeus) include references to miraculous gifts like tongues, highlighting how the early church recognized and valued the interpretation of these supernatural expressions.

From a behavioral perspective, clarity of communication is essential for collective spiritual growth. This aligns with how individuals learn, process, and apply new ideas within a community. When the congregation hears a coherent explanation of a message originally given in tongues, the emotional and intellectual impact can lead to deeper worship and a more meaningful connection with God.

Spiritual Edification

The New Testament teaching posits that the Holy Spirit distributes gifts “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). The purpose is never self-exaltation but rather the increase in love, truth, and spiritual vitality for everyone present. Interpretation, therefore, transforms a private mystery into a communal blessing.

Additionally, the believer who exercises the gift of interpretation becomes a channel for divine wisdom. Just as archaeology and geology can point to the Creator’s handiwork—from the Cambrian Explosion’s sudden appearance of life forms to geological evidence of rapid sedimentary deposits often cited in young-earth models—so interpretation of tongues unveils the hidden things of the Spirit that proclaim God’s grandeur in a personal way.

Historical and Contemporary Considerations

Historically, church councils and theologians affirmed the necessity of interpreting tongues whenever the gift was exercised in corporate gatherings. Anecdotal cases throughout church history—from the early centuries through modern-day revivals—report instances where individuals spoke in languages unknown to them and were understood by listeners, reflecting miraculous knowledge or insight.

Contemporary research into religious experiences suggests that many still claim the gift of tongues and its interpretation. Although scientific studies focus primarily on neurological and psychological aspects, the consistent theme within faith communities is that the interpretation fosters unity, comprehension, and reverence for the divine.

Conclusion

The interpretation of tongues stands as a practical and vital element of Christian worship, ensuring that God’s truth is accessible and that all who hear may be mutually encouraged. Based on the consistent manuscript evidence of Scripture, the teaching in 1 Corinthians provides direct guidance: the gift of tongues should be accompanied by an explanation so that believers may be built up and God may be glorified.

Ultimately, as with other spiritual gifts, the purpose is to draw individuals closer to their Creator, enhance the worship experience, and highlight the power and presence of the Holy Spirit working among believers. The believer’s responsibility is to exercise this gift in love, fostering unity and upholding the orderly structure of communal praise—an outcome that honors God and edifies the church.