The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues: Edification

The purpose of speaking in tongues centers on spiritual edification — a divine means of strengthening both individual believers and the Church as a whole when a message in tongues is interpreted.

This supernatural gift, when properly understood and exercised, serves as a powerful tool for building faith, deepening our relationship with God, and ministering to others. It remains a vital aspect of Spirit-filled Christian living that deserves our careful attention and practice.

Personal Edification: Understanding the Purpose of Speaking in Tongues

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 us 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.

Paul's dedication to speaking in tongues invites us to discover its rich significance and potential in our own spiritual journey. The gift of tongues could be considered the greatest gift for the individual believer because it enables self-edification and significant strengthening of faith.

Deepening Your Spiritual Connection Through Tongues

Praying in tongues connects us to God in ways that go beyond what we can naturally understand. When we pray this way, the Holy Spirit acts as a communication bridge between us and God, expressing our prayers according to God's perfect plan, as explained in Romans 8:26–27. This spiritual connection helps us better align our lives with what God wants for us.

This special form of prayer can lead to amazing results in our lives. It often creates unexpected opportunities, brings us into divinely arranged meetings with others, and allows us to experience God's presence in remarkable ways.

As we engage in speaking in tongues, we receive guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit. This empowerment helps us fulfill our purpose to share God's Kingdom message more effectively to those around us.

Don Bell

My wife and I flew 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).

Strengthening Faith Through Supernatural Prayer

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.

Corporate Edification: Speaking in Tongues in 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.

As we embrace our role in building up our faith and exercising our spiritual gifts, we contribute to the edification of the entire church (1 Corinthians 14:1–5,12).

Creating an Environment for Spiritual Gifts

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).

Three Divine Manifestions of Speaking in Tongues

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

Tongues for Strengthening the Individual

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

Tongues for Strengthening 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.

Discover 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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