Speaking In Tongues, What is it

There is a growing number of Christians who believe speaking in tongues mean… someone who is uttering and unknown heavenly language in the Spirit of Yehovah. This is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the entire New Testament. In fact, you can only see this occurrence in the New Testament. If Yehovah never changes and Yeshua never changes.

Malachi 3:6 “"For I, YHVH, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Hebrews 13:8 “Yeshua Messiah is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

What is this new aspect of their Spirit not seen in the Old Testament or demonstrated by the prophets of God before? Could it be something completely different than what is tradition of certain denominations or commonly thought by others? What if the interpretations and translations have completely lost the truth of the matter? This blog will be to show how speaking is tongues is not random babbling. Explaining the true purpose and what speaking in tongues really is.

Let’s look at a verse which people assume speaking in tongues is babbling in an unknown heavenly language.

1 Corinthians 13:1 “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.”

Some may say because this verse says “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels” it means, you can speak unknown languages of spirit origin. But, let’s examine this closer with the context of the letter and the words in the original language.

The word “Tongues” in the verse is…

Strong’s G1100 γλῶσσα - glōssa, pronounced gloce-sah

Meaning

• the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech

• the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations

Now we should also see what the word “Angels” was in this verse…

Strong’s G32 ἄγγελος - ángelos, pronounced ang'-el-os

Meaning

• a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God

With this established let’s see what was the context of what Paul is writing about.

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians about how the followers (church) of Yehovah is like a body.

1 Corinthians 12:24-25 “whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another.”

Then Paul begins to explain that without love and being one together in unity, someone’s efforts are in vain.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing. If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing.”

What’s the point? Now let’s see what he meant by explaining it in another way better fitting by the original words.

“If I (Paul) speak in tongues (glōssa - the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations) of men and of angels (ángelos - a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God) and I don’t love others while doing so, it’s pointless.”

Angel to a Hebrew simply means a “Messenger” weather one of spirit or a physical human who is a prophet of Yehovah. Paul was a prophet of God, but he was a human being. “Men and angels” would only mean “weather I speak to you as just a regular man or a messenger of God (Prophet) and I do not love, it’s nothing.”

Another important thing to pull out of all of this the word “IF” Paul repeatedly says “If I…”

This doesn’t mean he did these things, for example he says…

“if I give my body to be burned.”

Paul never gave his body to be burned, it is said Emperor Nero beheaded him. So this verse is not Paul admitting he babbled in an unknown tongue at all when we examine the words and context.

Moving on to other misunderstood verses.

Acts 2 is the epicenter of the speaking in tongues origins. So let’s go there now!

Acts 2:1-4 “When the day of Pentecost came, the believers were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

At this event it is recorded that those believers in Yeshua as Messiah could speak in tongues, but what really happened? Paying attention and observing what is happening here is very important. Notice when this event happened, it says…

“When the day of Pentecost came”

Why is this important? Because of a command Yehovah gave in Torah to all who follow His “Appointed times” (Strong’s H4150 מוֹעֵד môwʻêd, mo-ade'; or מֹעֵד môʻêd; or (feminine) מוֹעָדָה môwʻâdâh; (2 Chronicles 8:13), from H3259; properly, an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival)

Deuteronomy 16:16 "Three times in a year all your males shall appear before YHVH your God in the place which He chooses, at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and at the Feast of Weeks and at the Feast of Booths, and they shall not appear before YHVH empty-handed.”

You may have not caught it! This commanded all followers of Yehovah to migrate from where ever they lived, to go to Jerusalem. One of those appointed times is “the Feast of Weeks” or commonly known as Shavuot the Hebrew word for Pentecost.

Now that we have a setting on what is taking place there in Jerusalem, we can move on and continue reading some important observations in the following verses which explain more about what exactly is this ability of speaking in tongues.

Acts 2:5-6 “Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language.”

Do you see what is happening now? Every God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven was in Jerusalem for the feast when they heard the disciples speaking in their tongue (language). Obviously the believers were not babbling unknown language if those present were shocked these men knew their language and spoke it clearly.

Further clarification…

Acts 2:7-11 “In wonder and amazement, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, a Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs we hear them declaring the mighty works of God in our own tongues!”

This is what speaking in tongues truly means. People without any formal training given the ability to speak actual languages they couldn’t possibly have known because they had no training in it. Why? Because all these Jews would hear the gospel and then return back to their land and speak of what they heard from the disciples.

How else could Yehovah get the message out to them and across the land? Yehovah always intended the Jews to hear it first.

Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.”

This miracle of speaking tongues (languages) caused many to believe.

Acts 2:37 “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Naturally when they got back home, the gospel would spread in all of those separate languages to all the Jews first.

Some use Acts 10 when the Spirit fell on Cornelius, the Italian centurion and his household. As proof of speaking in tongues for random babbling in an unknown language.

Acts 10:44-46 “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard his message. All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God.

Although truthfully there is not much here to prove random babbling is the Biblical definition of speaking in tongues. There is a verse in chapter 11 which is a clue into what happened at Cornelius’s house.

Acts 11:15-16 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as He had come upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Master, as He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Notice this portion of the verse…

“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as He had come upon us at the beginning.”

How did the Spirit fall on them at the beginning? Did they babble on in some unspeakable unrecognizable language only Yehovah can hear? No, it clearly said in Acts 2 “They each heard them in their own language.”

Another commonly used verse is…

1 Corinthians 14:27-28 “If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.”

This verse doesn’t imply that speaking in tongues means there must be someone who understands the unknown heavenly language and can translate it to others. This simply says “If someone knows how to speak in an unknown earthly dialect but, no one there to translate it. Let him stay silent and communicate with God”

Why say this?

1 Corinthians 14:6-9 “Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.”

Because if no understands what is being said it’s pointless to speak.

1 Corinthians 14:1-4 “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue a does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.”

It is only benefitting yourself when one understands. Some may say ”Ah, see… they speak to God in this unknown language. Because it says “For anyone who speaks in a tongue a does not speak to people but to God.” Does not God know our thoughts, without speaking? So why have need to jibber jabber nonsense to communicate with Him? All Paul is saying is that, the earthly dialect which no one understands because no one speaks it, is being understood by God only.

Another factor we must realize is, if we do not know what we are saying and speaking to God. We are not under control of ourselves thus our free will has been taken by God. Something Yehovah would never do, knowing He has to judge all of us by our own willing decisions.

This verse is another example, although by now you can see this simply means the Spirit allowed them to speak another language, not babbling unknown words to the witnesses present.

Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Think about this also. If you walk into a room and people are all yelling and screaming and dancing around erratically speaking random babbling words no one understands, would you consider these people of a sound mind or completely confusing?

Well is Yehovah the author of confusion and uncontrollable self-control?

1 Corinthians 14:33 “for YHVH is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”

Nothing about a room full of people rambling on, crying, yelling and screaming unknown words sounds like people with self-control and a sound mind. In fact, when you walk into an asylum with mentally unstable people you may run into something similar. So why would God use such a strange gift for sane people to get to know him? The Scriptures actually tell us who the gift of tongues is for.

1 Corinthians 14:22 “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.”

Because when you hear someone who begins to speak another language they don’t know. The effects are supernatural and lead to unbelief turning into belief.

Now what event happened long before Acts 2 at Pentecost when the disciples spoke in other languages? It’s the event the gift of tongues was created because of. If everyone spoke the same language, tongues would be impossible. Please review…

Genesis 11:1-9 “The whole earth was of one language and of one speech. It happened, as they traveled east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they lived there. They said one to another, "Come, let's make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." They had brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar. They said, "Come, let's build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let's make ourselves a name, lest we be scattered abroad on the surface of the whole earth." YHVH came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built. YHVH said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is what they begin to do. Now nothing will be withheld from them, which they intend to do. Come, let's go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." So YHVH scattered them abroad from there on the surface of all the earth. They stopped building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there YHVH confused the language of all the earth. From there, YHVH scattered them abroad on the surface of all the earth.”

This event cause one tongue (language) to become 70 different languages. Satan really hated this very troublesome moment. It has taken him years to recover from that heavenly tactic by God. But, if Yehovah can instantly disrupt communication between man, isn’t it very likely He can reverse the effects in those He chooses? Thus…. The true purpose of speaking in tongues.

Now let’s finish with some additional information. There is not one single verse in the entire Bible of anyone recorded as clear as saying “He or they, spoke unrecognizable words which was communicated by spirits language to God.”

Sure there is verses you can assume say this by implication like…

Romans 8:26 “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning’s too deep for words.”

Now if we select this verse only and impose our bias on it, yes you can make it appear how you want to. Although, this by study of Scripture can show, if we read few verses earlier for that priceless thing called “Context” it says…

Romans 8:22-25 “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to son ship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

Now it clearly says “But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?” If you see someone babbling in some random unknown angel language. This is visible proof of God, not faith. Faith is believing without seeing.

We are speaking of believers not unbelievers which the true version of tongues is for. Notice the references to groaning in this verse prior as well also. Romans 8:26 is only saying “When we don’t know how to pray or what to pray for. The power of God reveals our need to Him so He can answer a needed prayer.” Without asking we cannot receive correct?

Secondly, these so called preachers who allegedly speak in tongues. Guess what they have to take with them everywhere they go? Translators! Why if Peter and the disciples could speak in tongues to all those Jews in their native tongue. How come not one charismatic pastor can today? It’s because it’s not Biblical representation of tongues.

Babel was call this because it means confusion. Which is all babbling does to people who are unbelievers. The very people meant for the true version of it. Hope this makes sense now.

Which brings me to an important thing to mention. Do I believe people who speak in tongues are devil worshippers and deceivers? While I do believe there are some who intentionally mislead others by this action knowingly. But, I have met very sincere people who do babble on and claim it’s speaking in tongues. Many people who truly love God in their heart! I just believe they presume what they are doing is true because it is tradition and feels good, so that it must be from God. Although, just because we may be sincere in our actions. We could still be in error. Is there dear God fearing Catholic’s who sincerely love God and Yeshua? Of course, but they’re also deceived. Yehovah warns those people to distance themselves from that organization and other pagan religions.

Revelation 18:4 “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, so that you may not have fellowship in her sins, and so that you may not receive of her plagues.”

Shalom, Yehovah bless you all!