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3 Kinds of Tongues in the Bible

Three kind of tongues

The Bible outlines different types of spiritual tongues, each serving distinct purposes within the Christian faith. Here are three kinds of spiritual tongues explained with references and Greek terms:

1. Tongues as Known Languages (Sign to Unbelievers)

Verse: Acts 2:4-6 (KJV)

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language."

Greek:

  • "Other tongues" - ἑτέραις γλώσσαις (heterais glossais)
  • "Language" - διαλέκτος (dialektos)

In this instance, the term "glossais" (tongues) refers to known languages. The miraculous speaking in tongues on the Day of Pentecost allowed people from different nations to hear the disciples speaking in their own native languages, serving as a sign to unbelievers and showcasing the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Gift of Tongues (Requires Interpretation)

Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:10 (KJV)

"To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues."

Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (KJV)

"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God."

Greek:

  • "Divers kinds of tongues" - γένη γλωσσῶν (genē glōssōn)
  • "Interpretation of tongues" - ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν (hermēneia glōssōn)

Here, "genē glōssōn" refers to different kinds of tongues, which are spoken as a spiritual gift. These tongues require interpretation ("hermēneia glōssōn") so that the message can be understood by the congregation, thereby edifying the church.

3. Prayer Language (Edifies the Individual)

Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV)

"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."

Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:4 (KJV)

"He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church."

Greek:

  • "Unknown tongue" - γλώσσῃ (glōssē)
  • "Edifieth" - οἰκοδομεῖ (oikodomei)
  • "Mysteries" - μυστήρια (mystēria)

In this context, "glōssē" refers to an unknown tongue used in personal prayer. The speaker communicates directly with God, speaking "mystēria" (mysteries) in the Spirit. This form of tongues is for personal edification ("oikodomei") rather than for the edification of the church as a whole.


These three types of tongues illustrate the diverse ways the Holy Spirit operates through believers, serving different functions in personal and corporate worship and signs.