Topical Encyclopedia The gift of the interpretation of tongues is one of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the early Christian church. This gift is closely associated with the gift of speaking in tongues, and it serves to edify the church by providing understanding and clarity to messages spoken in unknown languages.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural references for the interpretation of tongues are found in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, Paul lists the interpretation of tongues as one of the gifts of the Spirit: "to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues" . This indicates that the interpretation of tongues is a distinct gift, separate from the ability to speak in tongues. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides further instruction on the use of tongues and their interpretation within the church. He emphasizes the importance of intelligibility in worship, stating, "For this reason, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say" (1 Corinthians 14:13). This underscores the necessity of interpretation for the edification of the congregation, as speaking in tongues without interpretation benefits only the speaker. Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, "If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God" . This directive ensures that the use of tongues in a corporate setting is orderly and beneficial to all present. Purpose and Function The interpretation of tongues serves several purposes within the church. Primarily, it allows the congregation to understand and be edified by messages that would otherwise remain obscure. This aligns with Paul's overarching concern for the edification of the church, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:5: "I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified" . The gift of interpretation also serves as a sign of God's presence and activity within the church. It demonstrates the work of the Holy Spirit in distributing diverse gifts for the common good, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:7: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" . Practical Considerations In practice, the interpretation of tongues requires discernment and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Those who possess this gift must be attentive to the Spirit's leading and willing to communicate the message accurately and faithfully. The interpretation may come in the form of a direct translation or a more general understanding of the message's intent and meaning. The exercise of this gift should always be conducted in a manner that promotes unity and order within the church. As Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people" . Therefore, the interpretation of tongues should contribute to the peace and edification of the body of Christ. Conclusion While the interpretation of tongues is a less frequently discussed spiritual gift, it plays a vital role in ensuring that the use of tongues within the church is meaningful and edifying. By providing understanding and clarity, this gift helps to maintain the order and unity that are essential for corporate worship and the building up of the church. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Interpretation of TonguesINTERPRETATION OF TONGUES See TONGUES, INTERPRETATION OF. Library Whether Free Grace is Appropriately Divided by the Apostle Man the Image of the Creator, and Christ the Head of the Man ... Whether the Gift of Tongues is More Excellent than the Grace of ... 1 Cor. xii. 1, 2 The Church of God. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles. Spiritual Gifts. And Again, Speaking Also of the Children of Israel as Baptized in ... The More Excellent Way How the Word Beginning (Principium) is Spoken Relatively in the ... Resources Someone gave me a prophetic word/prophesied over me. What is the interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the correct interpretation of John 20:23? | GotQuestions.org How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? | GotQuestions.org Interpretation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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