Bible Verses About Speaking in Tongues (KJV)

Here are Bible verses about speaking in tongues, curated from both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible, King James Version, arranged from most to least relevant. Related topics include praying in tongues, talking in tongues, and the gift of tongues.

The Spiritual Nature of Tongues

According to the scripture, 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. The Bible also notes that tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

During the day of Pentecost, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. This power was further demonstrated when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. As promised in the Gospel of Mark, these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.

Order and Interpretation in the Church

Regarding church conduct, the word of God states: 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. Furthermore, if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. The Apostle Paul clarified his preference for clarity by saying: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Key Scriptural Principles

  • 1 Corinthians 14:13: Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:39: Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
  • Acts 10:46: For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:8: Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

The Primacy of Charity

Even with spiritual gifts, the Bible warns: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. Believers are exhorted to follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.