Speaking in Tongues During Worship: A Biblical Guide

Speaking in tongues during worship represents a profound spiritual experience when exercised properly within the church. When accompanied by an interpretation, it offers a unique means of group communication with God that surpasses the limitations of normal human language.

This comprehensive article explores the proper use of tongues in corporate worship, the difference between the interpretation of an unknown tongue and prophecy, and practical guidelines for maintaining order in its expression.

Experiencing the Power of Tongues and Interpretation

By Don Bell | Reading Time: 5 Minutes

Concept Art for Speaking in Tongues During WorshipSpeaking in Tongues Edifies When It's Interpreted
Source: © Fotografiche/Depositphotos.com

How can the gift of tongues help to edify and inspire others? When the gift of tongues is exercised in a group of believers followed by its interpretation, it can have a positive and unifying effect on everyone present.

The tongue and its interpretation are both inspired by the Holy Spirit, praising God's greatness, and declaring His love for His people, the Church. Hearing these heartfelt words can strengthen people's faith and remind them of their commitment to live for Christ, fostering connection with God in worship.

The phrasing of the tongue's interpretation can often sound similar to King David's Psalms. That's because the same Spirit who inspired David's heart to write the Psalms now inspires the speaker and interpreter of the tongue.

Understanding Tongues vs. Prophecy in Corporate Worship

In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul contrasts the Spiritual gifts of tongues and prophecy saying, "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. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men" (1 Corinthians 14:2–3).

Therefore, speaking in tongues involves believers speaking mysteries to God, while prophecy involves God speaking messages to believers in their natural language.

Paul continues, "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).

While a word of prophecy focuses on edifying the Church, speaking in tongues during worship will only focus on edifying the speaker of the tongue, UNLESS the tongue is interpreted. Then, its message is understood and can edify the Church.

Why is the interpretation of the tongue so important? Paul continues, "Tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore, if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?" (1 Corinthians 14:22–23).

In Greek, the term for "uninformed" is represented as ἰδιώτης (idiōtēs), implying a believer in Christ who lacks understanding and knowledge in the gift of tongues.

Don Bell

While on her vacation, our Christian friend witnessed an evening Charismatic prayer meeting where participants sat about her family's living room engaging in speaking and singing in tongues. There were no interpretations of the spoken tongues given.

After returning home, she expressed her discomfort with the experience, saying "It wasn't God, it was bedlam! It sounded like gibberish!"

Though I shared biblical context to help explain this unfamiliar form of worship, she remained unconvinced and held strong feelings against tongues. We pray that with time, she'll gain a proper understanding  of this beneficial gift of the Spirit.

As Paul cautions, tongues spoken when the uninformed or unbelievers are present without interpretation can create confusion and resistance, as demonstrated by our friend's negative reaction to the prayer meeting. Her response of "bedlam" and "gibberish" precisely illustrates Paul's warning about how the uninformed might conclude that believers are "out of your mind."

Paul continues, "But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you" (1 Corinthians 14:24–25).

The interpretation of an unknown tongue glorifies God and the greatness of His works; however, there are times when the interpreted message acts similar to prophecy by revealing the heart's cry of the uninformed, leading them to respond to God's call.

Guidelines for Speaking in Tongues During Worship

Continually build your faith through praying privately in tongues and stand ready to utilize the gifts of tongues AND interpretation of tongues, whenever the Holy Spirit prompts you to deliver an edifying message for the Church, the Body of Christ. However, there are situations where speaking in tongues is not proper in group settings.

Corporate Worship Settings

For the most meaningful worship experience during believers' meetings, it's helpful to be mindful of others during prayer and prophecy times. Remaining silent or speaking in tongues quietly to yourself allows everyone to the opportunity to speak and allows others to clearly receive God's guidance through the Holy Spirit's presence.

Paul provides us wise guidance: "Since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Therefore let HIM who speaks in a tongue PRAY that HE may interpret" (1 Corinthians 14:12–13, emphasis added).

When messages in tongues are accompanied by their interpretation, it allows everyone present to receive the full blessing and understanding of what the Holy Spirit is communicating.

Ministry Time Protocol

When ministering to someone, multiple people surrounding the person and speaking loudly in tongues all at once can make it difficult for the person receiving ministry to hear God's revelation clearly. This environment may also prevent other believers from contributing meaningfully to the ministry time.

Build up your faith at home through private prayer in tongues beforehand. This preparation helps you follow the Holy Spirit's guidance when meeting the needs of others. If you are led to speak in an unknown tongue while ministering, provide the interpretation right away so the message from the Spirit can encourage and build up the person seeking God's help without causing confusion.

Receiving Personal Ministry

During personal ministry time, well-meaning believers sometimes softly pray in tongues, but this can actually make it harder for them to hear what God is saying through those who are ministering. Instead of praying, this is their moment to quietly receive — to listen for God's revelation through spoken prophecy, words of knowledge, and wisdom, or spiritual counsel.

As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:33, "God is not the author of confusion but of peace." You can gently suggest, "Let's be quiet together and listen for what God wants to say."

Maintaining Order in Spiritual Gift Expression

Always strive for correctness when ministering, as any misuse of spiritual gifts can bring about disorder. Paul cautions, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Therefore, when you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to deliver a message in tongues, wait for the suitable moment so you're not interrupting, then speak clearly and be prepared to also offer its interpretation.

The article covering the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues offers additional insights into speaking in tongues during worship times.

Discover More in This 6-Part Series

Part 4: How Are Tongues a Sign for Unbelievers?

If 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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