Biblical Spiritual Gift of Interpretation of Tongues

The spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues appears in 1 Corinthians 12:10, where Paul lists it among the various manifestations of the Spirit given for building up the church1. This gift worked closely alongside the gift of tongues, serving as its necessary companion in public worship settings. The Greek word for interpretation means “to translate” or “to explain the meaning,” indicating that this gift involved making clear what had been spoken in an unknown language.

Those with this gift could receive divine understanding of tongues messages and then communicate that meaning to others in their common language. This supernatural ability ensured that messages given in tongues would edify the entire congregation rather than remaining mysterious utterances that only benefited the speaker.

Purpose and Function in Worship

Paul established clear guidelines for how the gift of interpretation should function in church gatherings. He taught that tongues should only be spoken in public worship when someone with the gift of interpretation was present to explain the meaning1. This requirement demonstrated God’s desire for orderly worship that built up the entire church community.

The apostle emphasized that "if any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God"1. This instruction showed that interpretation was not optional but essential for the proper use of tongues in congregational settings.

Relationship to Church Edification

The gift of interpretation served the broader purpose of building up the church body. Paul taught that all spiritual gifts should contribute to the common good and the edification of believers1. Without interpretation, tongues messages remained private communications between the speaker and God, providing no benefit to other worshippers.

Through interpretation, the congregation could understand divine messages, receive encouragement, and grow in their faith. This made the combined gifts of tongues and interpretation valuable tools for corporate worship and spiritual instruction. The interpreter served as a bridge between the supernatural communication and the practical needs of the church community.

Biblical Examples and Context

The Day of Pentecost provides the clearest example of supernatural language gifts in action. When the disciples spoke in other tongues, the gathered crowd from many nations heard them "telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God"2. While this event involved known human languages rather than requiring interpretation, it demonstrates the principle that God’s supernatural communications should be understood by those who hear them.

The early church experienced both types of tongue-speaking: known human languages and what some scholars believe were heavenly or spiritual languages that required interpretation. In both cases, the goal remained the same - clear communication of God’s truth to His people.

Contemporary Understanding

Today, there exists significant discussion among Christians about whether the gift of interpretation continues in its original form. Some believe that with the completion of the Bible, certain miraculous gifts like tongues and interpretation served their foundational purpose and are no longer necessary. Others maintain that God still grants such gifts according to His sovereign purposes.

Regardless of one’s position on this debate, all Christians agree that any claimed spiritual manifestation must align with biblical truth and serve to glorify God rather than draw attention to individuals. The principles Paul established for orderly worship and mutual edification remain relevant for church gatherings today.

The spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues served as a vital component in the early church’s worship and communication. Through this gift, believers ensured that supernatural messages contributed to the spiritual growth and understanding of the entire congregation, demonstrating God’s desire for clear communication and orderly worship among His people.

References

1 Corinthians 12:10 and 14:1-40 from the English Standard Version
Acts 2:1-31 from the English Standard Version
Biblical passages on spiritual gifts and their proper use in church settings
New Testament accounts of tongues and interpretation in early Christian communities