Did Jesus Speak in Tongues?

Did Jesus speak in tongues? This compelling question has intrigued believers for generations. While we know Jesus communicated in several languages of His time, the possibility of His supernatural prayer language remains a fascinating topic of study.

Let's examine the biblical evidence, historical context, and spiritual insights that shed light on this intriguing aspect of Jesus' ministry.

The Historical Languages of Jesus: What We Know

Part 5 of 6 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 6 minute read

Many Christians wonder if Jesus prayed in tongues, as some Bible teachers formerly taught that certain Scriptures indicate Him speaking in non-translatable, languages that required interpretation.

However, most biblical language experts now agree that Jesus was most likely being quoted in languages He had learned which were translated for Greek readers of the gospel.

During His childhood, Jesus would have learned to speak the Galilean dialect of Aramaic. It's also known that he was fluent in reading Hebrew from a Torah scroll at the synagogue (Luke 4:16).

Moreover, It's highly likely that Jesus spoke Greek while working as a craftsman in Nazareth. This is because Greek was a commonly used language for commerce in the surrounding region.

In addition, He would have turned to the Septuagint (LXX) for both Torah study and personal reading. The affordable Septuagint was the Greek translation of The Old Testament that Jewish communities used.

Documented Languages: Biblical Evidence of Jesus' Communication

Let's explore the historical evidence that Jesus had learned and spoken several languages common to His region and time.

Jesus Speaking Hebrew and Aramaic

The following scriptural passages reveal Jesus speaking in known languages that He had learned, not unknown tongues:¹

• Matthew 27:45–46 records Jesus crying out in Hebrew, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
• Mark 5:40–42 records Jesus saying in Aramaic, "Talitha, cumi," translated as "Little girl, I say to you, arise." Also in Mark 7:31–35, Jesus says, "Ephphatha" in Hebrew/Aramaic meaning "Be opened," when healing a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech.

The Translation of Rabboni

John 20:16 recounts Mary Magdalene meeting the resurrected Christ at the Garden Tomb, where she addresses Him as "Rabboni." Mark translates this Aramaic title as "Teacher" for his Greek-speaking readers.

This translation doesn't indicate an unknown tongue, but rather shows Mark's consideration for readers unfamiliar with Aramaic terms. Therefore, scholars cannot assume Jesus spoke in unknown languages simply because His words were translated in Mark's gospel.

The Prayer Life of Jesus: A Human and Divine Connection

Some people question, "If Jesus is the Son of God, why would He need to pray in tongues?" However, if that's the case, why would Jesus need to pray in His learned languages? Why would He need to pray at all?

Scriptures record that Jesus spent long hours in solitary prayer. Moreover, there are more mentions of Jesus praying to God the Father than anyone else in entire The New Testament!

To fully grasp Jesus' ministry and follow His example, we must understand both His divine nature and human experience. As the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5), He walked dusty roads, sweated in the desert heat, and dealt with all human needs and temptations.

Did Jesus Speak in Tongues? Possible Evidence

While there's no explicit biblical statement declaring Jesus spoke in tongues, several passages provide intriguing evidence suggesting He may have exercised this gift of the Spirit. Let's examine these instances closely.

Jesus Groaning in John 11

The account of Lazarus' death and resurrection in John 11 may offer some indication that Jesus prayed in tongues. We read in verse 33 that Jesus "groaned in His Spirit" and was troubled when He saw Mary weeping. This could be taken to mean a form of intercessory prayer in tongues.

Paul teaches, "The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26).

While we cannot conclude with absolute certainty that Jesus spoke in tongues, His groaning in His Spirit may suggest it. Why else would John have recorded it? It must have held significance.

Later, "Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. …Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, 'Father, I thank You that You have heard Me'" (John 11:38,41).

What had the Father heard? There's no mention of Jesus praying audibly before this. Could Jesus have been referring to His groaning (interceding in tongues)?

Jesus' Sighing in Mark 7

In Mark's detailed account of Jesus healing a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, a notable detail stands out: "Then, looking up to heaven, HE SIGHED, and said to him, 'Ephphatha,' that is, 'Be opened'" (Mark 7:34, emphasis added).

Additionally, it's worth noting that Greek word στενάζω (stenazō) that's translated as "sighed," carries the connotation of "groaning" or "praying inaudibly." Interesting.

Jesus' Rejoicing in Luke 10

There is one instance in The New Testament that could possibly hint at Jesus exercising the gift of tongues. Luke records that "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth …" (Luke 10:21).

Whether Jesus "rejoiced in the Spirit" by praying or singing in tongues is open to personal interpretation. However, it is reasonable to consider that Jesus rejoiced in a heavenly tongue based on this verse. I'll leave it for you to decide.

While there's no clear-cut evidence of Jesus praying in tongues after the Holy Spirit had descended upon Him, following His water baptism, Scriptures hint of the possibility.

Conclusion: Did Jesus Speak in Tongues?

Jesus lived with human needs and experiences. He prayed and relied on the fullness of Holy Spirit to fulfill His mission. The same Holy Spirit that descended upon Him is the same Holy Spirit that He sent to us.

Given Jesus' full humanity and His intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, it's reasonable to consider that He may have experienced all gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in heavenly tongues.

Endnotes

¹ Bivin, David N., and Tilton, Joshua N. "LOY Excursus: Greek Transliterations of Hebrew, Aramaic and Hebrew/Aramaic Words in the Synoptic Gospels." jerusalemperspective.com. Jerusalem Perspective, 28 May 2014, Web. 23 Apr. 2024.

Discover More in This 6-Part Series

Part 6: How to Speak in Tongues

If you missed it, Part 1: The Gift of Speaking in Tongues

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About the Author

Don Bell is the creator of the Kingdom Anointing website, and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He shares insights from his spiritual journey to encourage ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom and lead extraordinary lives in the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don, and my prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you build faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God.

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