Speaking in tongues is one of the most fascinating and sometimes misunderstood experiences in the Christian faith. It is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues or languages never learned or understood by the speaker.

Sometimes, it could be a language spoken and understood by a certain people or nationality, but unknown to the speaker. While at other times, it can be a language not spoken or understood anywhere on earth. It is speaking, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, words or languages never learned by the speaker. 

For many, it is an awe-inspiring, powerful, and deeply spiritual experience that signifies a deeper connection with God. For others, it can seem strange, confusing, or even unnecessary.

So, what exactly is speaking in tongues? Why is it such a significant part of the Christian faith, and what does the Bible say about it?

The Biblical Foundation of Speaking in Tongues

The concept of speaking in tongues, or “glossolalia,” is rooted deeply in Scripture, particularly in the book of Acts and in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians.

In Acts 2:4, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples at Pentecost, they began to speak in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance: 

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” 

This powerful moment marked the birth of the Church and the beginning of a new era of spiritual empowerment. The apostles and others in the upper room experienced what many consider the “initial evidence” of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The disciples were not speaking their known languages; instead, they were speaking languages they had never learned, languages that were understood by the diverse crowd present in Jerusalem.

This was the beginning of speaking in tongues, which is a supernatural ability given to believers by the Holy Spirit. It is important to understand that this experience is not just an emotional expression; it is a spiritual gift, a heavenly language given by God to believers to edify themselves, to communicate with God, and to express their deepest prayers in a manner that transcends their natural understanding.

Why Do Believers Speak in Tongues?

The primary purpose of speaking in tongues, according to Scripture, is to build up the believer spiritually.

In 1 Corinthians 14:4, Paul writes:

“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” —1 Corinthians 14:4

Here, Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues is a personal experience that benefits the individual believer. It is a way to commune with God, expressing prayers and praises in a language that bypasses the limitations of human understanding.

As Reverend Kenneth E. Hagin taught, “Speaking in tongues is one of the most powerful ways to build yourself up in the spirit. It strengthens your inner man and helps you to pray the perfect will of God.”

The apostle Paul also says in Romans 8:26 that the Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness, interceding for them with “groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

This is where speaking in tongues comes in—it allows believers to pray in a way that is aligned with God's perfect will when they don't know how or what to pray.

In addition to edifying the individual, speaking in tongues serves as a sign to unbelievers. In 1 Corinthians 14:22, Paul explains that tongues can act as a sign to those who do not believe, drawing them to the reality of the supernatural power of God:

“Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers…”—1 Corinthians 14:22

What Speaking in Tongues is Not

It is important to clarify what speaking in tongues is not, as there are many misconceptions about this spiritual gift.

• Speaking in tongues is not meaningless babble or gibberish.

It is not an emotional outburst or something that believers should “work up” through their own effort.

As Reverend Chris Oyakhilome teaches, speaking in tongues is not just “noise”; it is a divine utterance enabled by the Holy Spirit.

• It is not a learned language.

Some people mistakenly believe that speaking in tongues involves learning a new language or that it must be understood by the speaker.

I once read a book in which the author (who obviously doesn't speak in tongues) taught that speaking in tongues is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit which enables an individual to learn multiple languages easily. According to him, those who have this gift have a striking ability to learn new languages easier and faster than others.

However, in Acts 2, when the apostles spoke in tongues, they were not speaking learned languages; they were speaking a supernatural language, a gift of the Spirit. So, this author is wrong about speaking in tongues. As the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:1:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”

Here, Paul distinguishes between human languages and the tongues of angels—supernatural languages that believers can speak in prayer and worship.

• It is not just for Pentecostals or Charismatics.

While the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements have placed a strong emphasis on speaking in tongues, it is important to remember that the gift of tongues is for every believer. In Acts 2:39, Peter assured the crowd that the promise of the Holy Spirit, including the gift of tongues, is for all believers:

“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Speaking in tongues is not a denominational marker—it is a gift for every Christian, regardless of tradition or background.

• It is not a sign of superior spirituality.

Some believers mistakenly assume that speaking in tongues is evidence of greater spirituality or that those who speak in tongues are “more anointed” than others. The Bible makes it clear that speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit, and it is available to every believer who desires it (Luke 11:13).

It is not a means of boasting or showing off.

In fact, Paul cautioned the Corinthians about the proper use of tongues in church settings to avoid causing confusion or division (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).

How Does Speaking in Tongues Benefit the Believer?

As mentioned earlier, speaking in tongues is a powerful tool for personal spiritual growth. Let’s explore a few of its key benefits:

Building up the spirit.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:4 that speaking in tongues edifies the individual:

“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…”

When a believer prays in tongues, they are strengthening their spirit and deepening their relationship with God. It helps believers stay spiritually charged, much like charging a battery.

Praying the perfect will of God.

Sometimes, believers are unsure of what to pray or how to pray in certain situations. Speaking in tongues allows the believer to pray in a way that aligns with God’s perfect will, as the Holy Spirit intercedes through them (Romans 8:26-27).

Enhancing worship and praise.

In times of deep worship, speaking in tongues helps believers express their love and adoration for God beyond the limitations of their natural language. Reverend T.L. Osborn frequently spoke of how speaking in tongues enriches personal worship and leads to deeper encounters with God.

Strengthening faith.

Speaking in tongues can build and strengthen a believer’s faith, as it is an active demonstration of trusting God’s promises and stepping into the supernatural realm. It reinforces the believer’s identity in Christ and empowers them to face life’s challenges with divine strength.

In this chapter, we have examined the biblical definition of speaking in tongues, its purpose, and the benefits it brings to the believer. It is a gift from the Holy Spirit, not something that is learned or faked, and it is available to all believers. As we continue to explore this subject, we will address common misconceptions, how to receive the gift, and how to effectively use it in your Christian walk.

Speaking in tongues is a powerful tool that builds your spirit, enables you to pray in God’s will, and strengthens your faith. It is a gift worth embracing and understanding fully.