99 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. These scriptures address the nature of the gift of tongues and its proper use within the church.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. When Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
The Purpose and Function of Tongues
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. Wherefore 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. As Jesus promised in Mark 16:17: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues."
Orderly Conduct and Interpretation
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. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 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.
The Priority of Charity
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 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. 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. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
Key Scriptural Data
- Acts 2:4: They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues.
- 1 Corinthians 14:2: He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God.
- 1 Corinthians 14:27: If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three.
- 1 Corinthians 13:8: Whether there be tongues, they shall cease.
- 1 Corinthians 14:39: Covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.