The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues

What's the purpose of speaking in tongues? In a word… EDIFICATION. Paul explains that whenever you speak in an unknown tongue you edify yourself, but when you interpret the spoken message in tongues, you edify the church (1 Corinthians 14:4, 5).

Therefore, when used properly, speaking in tongues can build up faith and strengthen yourself and others in private and public settings. Let's dive deeper into how this wonderful gift strengthens both individual believers and the church.

The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues for the Spirit-Filled Believer

Part 2 of 6 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 6 minute read

Concept Photo of a Cloud-Filled SkyGod Has a Purpose for Us Speaking or Praying in Tongues
(Source: ©shyrokowa/Depositphotos.com)

Edification: Its Meaning

The Greek word οἰκοδομή (oikodomē) translated as "edification" means building up and promoting growth in oneself and others.

Paul says, "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries" (1 Corinthians 14:2).

So, why speak in an unknown tongue when we cannot understand its meaning? And, why would Paul later declare, "I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all" (1 Corinthians 14:18)?

Paul offers insight by saying, "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself …" (1 Corinthians 14:4).

Do you know that the gift of tongues is the ONLY gift of the Holy Spirit that's specifically given to edify ourselves? Other gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of Interpretation of tongues, are designed to edify and bless others.

Jude offers us further insight into the purpose of speaking in tongues by saying, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God …" (Jude 1:20, 21).

The gift of tongues plays a significant role in strengthening faith and keeping us grounded in Christ. We must be full of faith to accomplish God's plan for our lives and to manifest His Kingdom to a waiting world.

If Paul found it so necessary to speak in tongues, shouldn't we explore its significance and uncover all its potential?

Therefor, the gift of tongues can be considered the GREATEST GIFT for the individual. Why? Because the Holy Spirit has given us this supernatural ability so we can edify ourselves, building ourselves up in faith.

The Spiritual Significance of Tongues

Speaking in tongues has spiritual significance beyond our human understanding. It connects us to God's will, as the Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God as we pray in tongues (Romans 8:26, 27). Aligning our lives with God's perfect will becomes possible through praying in the Spirit.

Tongues can open doors to spiritual growth, supernatural guidance, and divine encounters. When believers pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit leads and empowers them, enabling them to fulfill their calling and impact the world around them with the Gospel of the Kingdom.

If you want more excitement in your life, start praying in the Spirit, and He will lead you to places you would never have thought about and meet people you could never have imagined.

My wife and I travelled to Russia twice on mission trips while bringing medications, supplies, and children's toys to needy orphanages. It's noteworthy that we had never prayed about going to Russia or had any connections with Russia prior to these trips. Russia wasn't a country we had ever considered visiting.

Nevertheless, God orchestrated this opportunity for us, presenting His plan to each of us independent of the other over several weeks, and I'm certain that our speaking in tongues played a significant role in preparing us to be receptive to His will and guidance.

When you pray in the Spirit and build up your faith, people in need will be drawn to you, attracted by the anointing of the Spirit within you. You will start to find yourself praying effectively with signs following.

You can begin to say with Paul, "I … did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God … but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

Building Faith Through Tongues

Speaking in tongues requires an act of faith each time it's practiced. By exercising our faith in this way, we can increase and strengthen the measure we have.

Therefore, to excel in the gifts of the Spirit for effective ministry to others, it's crucial that we build up our faith through praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20, 21).

This might help to explain why tongues is so often the first gift to manifest after receiving the baptism with the Holy Spirit. As we actively exercise our supernatural prayer ability, our faith increases thereby enabling us to exercise other gifts of the Spirit and minister to others.

The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues for the Church

While the gift of tongues is the only gift of the Spirit supplied for self-edification, the same gift is also supplied for group edification.

Paul explains, "Brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by [a word of] knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? …Therefore let HIM who speaks in a tongue pray THAT HE MAY INTERPRET" (1 Corinthians 14:6,13, emphasis added).

When the Holy Spirit prompts a believer to speak a message in tongues to the Body of Christ, followed by its interpretation, believers present can understand its meaning and be strengthened spiritually.

It's clear there are two gifts of the Spirit involved, each requiring a step of faith to activate: the gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues. It's only when the message spoken in an unknown tongue is interpreted that the church is edified.

Paul explains, "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, UNLESS INDEED HE INTERPRETS, that the church may receive edification" (1 Corinthians 14:4, 5, emphasis added).

God has given every believer nine supernatural abilities for ministering to the needs of others, including the gifts of tongues and interpretation of tongues. Remember, when we're filled with the Holy Spirit, we're FILLED; He comes with ALL His gifts.

It's only when we take responsibility for building ourselves up in faith and exercising our spiritual gifts that edification of the church can take place. (1 Corinthians 14:1-5,12).

Essentials for Edifying the Church

Edification of the church through the gifts of the Holy Spirit requires two essentials:

  1. Believers having their faith built up to exercise their spiritual gifts.
  2. Leadership encouraging believers to exercise their spiritual gifts when members of the Body of Christ gather (1 Corinthians 14:26).

The Three Manifestations of Tongues

The Scriptures reveal the purpose of speaking in tongues in three manifestations or expressions of God's grace, Each serves a specific purpose to edify ourselves, the Church, and others.

Tongues for Edifying the Individual

When believers spend time praying in tongues privately, they commune in the perfect will of God and receive His inner healing, strength, and blessings.

Tongues for Edifying the Church

When believers are prompted by the Holy Spirit to speak a message in an unknown tongue in a public setting immediately followed by an interpretation of the tongue, the Body of Christ is edified and encouraged to worship.

Tongues for a Sign to Unbelievers

Paul says, "Tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers …" (1 Corinthians 14:22). Tongues spoken by believers when directed by the Holy Spirit can serve as divine evidence, leading nonbelievers and the uninformed to God's Truth.

More in This 6-Part Series

Part 3: Speaking in Tongues During Worship

In case you missed it, Part 1: Gift of Speaking in Tongues


About the Author

Don Bell of Kingdom Anointing

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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