What is the interpretation of tongues?

Tongues can be spoken in prophecy, hence, if what is being said is not interpreted, it has no meaning to them that hear it. The essence of the gift of interpretation of tongues is to help the congregation understand what is being said in tongues.

“to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV)

It should never be forgotten that the gift of interpretation of tongues is also a vocal gift which can also be categorised as the gift of inspiration. This simply means that anyone that must walk in this gift must be inspired of the Holy Spirit before getting to interpret tongues accurately.

The operation of this gift is not different from what happens when a minister is preaching to an audience who do not understand his language, hence, needing an interpreter who understands his own language and can relay the same information accurately to his audience. Who then is that man that can understand the language of the Spirit and speak in understanding to men, except the one that is inspired by the Spirit of God?

Talking about the interpretation of tongues, Apostle Paul puts it like this: “Therefore, let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret” (1 Corinthian 14:13 NKJV).

It is therefore not erroneous to say that, Prophecy is the interpretation of an inspired message which was initially delivered in tongues. Sometimes, even the revelational gifts can be expressed vocally, but it will take the interpretation of tongues to get the revelational message that is being passed across.

Talking about order in the church, Apostle Paul writes; “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at most three, each in turns, and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God” (1 Corinthians 14:28 NKJV).

The following are true about the gift of interpretation of tongues;

  • Through the gift of interpretation of tongues, the mysteries of the spirit are translated to a language that will be understood by those in the congregation.
  • The interpretation of tongues helps to bring orderliness in the congregation during the manifestation of tongues and prophecies.
  • The gift is not learned, it is imparted by the Holy Spirit.
  • The gift of interpretation of tongues cannot be manifested by an unbeliever.
  • The gift of interpretation of church helps the give of tongues to be beneficial to the church congregation.

Having the ability to speak different kinds of tongues is not enough, as anyone who can speak in different kinds of tongues is also encouraged to pray to God for the gift of interpretation of tongues in order to be able to edify the body of Christ.

When a person can only speak in different kinds of tongues, he gets edified. Speaking in tongues is good for personal edification, hence, in order to be effective in one’s ministry in the gathering of the saints, it becomes so important to be able to interpret what one is saying in tongues.

Just as every other gift of the Spirit, the gift of the interpretation of tongues can be made manifest in a believer who asks from God. It is the Lord God Almighty that gives gifts unto men, and when it comes to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, He gives them alone unto His children. One of the best ways to enter the reality of the interpretation of tongues is by speaking in tongues well for personal edification. And just as deep calls unto deep, the gifts of the Spirit get stirred up in such believer. The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of prayer, if there is a man that can ask from God, there is a God that can give gifts unto men. Some of the things that you need to do to walk in the reality of the gift of interpretation of tongues are highlighted below.

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How to Activate or Develop this Gift

While we understand that not everyone will manifest a gift, as it is the Spirit of God who determines as He wills, we can also prepare and align ourselves to activate and develop this gift. The Bible says,

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11 NKJV)

Earnestly Desire

Apostle Paul, after addressing the gifts, the distribution across the body of Christ and the individual uniqueness of different part of the body, said, “But earnestly desire the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31 NKJV). This implies that we can desire the gifts. Desire is the beginning of any significant thing. Desire is a form of hunger, and if we give ourselves over to sincere hunger, we can get to receive the gifts.

Ask in Prayer

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22 NKJV)

Prayer gives us a direct line of communication and access to God. Jesus had told us that we can receive whatever we ask in prayer. Do you desire this gift of interpretation of tongues? Clear your heart and be sure it is not for a selfish purpose. Then ask.

Believing

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22 NKJV)

Now asking in prayer is not enough, you must also believe that you have it already. Praying does not end at asking; you should also ensure you believe after asking.

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Angela Lowe, MS. Ed., LPC
Angela Lowe is a licensed Professional Counselor, trained Biblical Counselor and certified Holistic Health Coach. Her kingdom mandate is to restore God’s counsel to transform lives, marriages, and churches worldwide.