Gifts of the Spirit pt.10-Interpretation of Tongues

The interpretation of tongues is the third of the “say something” gifts of the Spirit.

The interpretation of tongues works together with the gift of tongues. It actually depends on the gift of tongues—if the gift of tongues doesn’t manifest, then the interpretation of tongues cannot manifest.

The Purpose

The purpose of the interpretation of tongues is to interpret what someone spoke who just moved in the gift of tongues. God wants us to know what is spoken in tongues so that we may be edified. Paul said, “But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (1 Corinthians 14:19.) And he also said, “For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.” (1 Corinthians 14:19.)

The interpretation of tongues is an interpretation, not a translation. Words spoken in tongues are not translated word for word, they are interpreted. For example, when the gift of tongues is operating, the person might speak for only about 10 seconds, but the interpretation might take five minutes.

Two Thoughts on the Interpretation

What kind of message is given through the interpretation of tongues? Is it a word of knowledge? Of wisdom? Of prophesy?

One thought is that when the gift of tongues and the gift of the interpretation of tongues operate in an assembly, that both of these gifts equal the gift of prophesy. In essence, the interpretation that is given is the same kind of message as the gift of prophesy. This belief that tongues and the interpretation is equal to prophesy is based on 1 Corinthians 14:5b, “He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.” (Emphasis mine.)

The other thought on the content of the interpretation is that it is giving praise to the Lord. Whereas prophesy is a word from God directed towards us, the interpretation of tongues is Spirit-led praise from us to God. This concept is based on 1 Corinthians 14:16–17, “If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.” (Emphasis mine.)

Well, perhaps there could be a third thought on the content of the interpretation—it can be both of the above beliefs. One time we might hear a prophesy and at another time, we might hear words of praise.

Guidelines

The gift of interpretation of tongues comes with a longer list of guidelines than the other nine gifts. So, perhaps it would be useful to list them:

The interpretation of tongues is ordained to flow whenever believers gather together. That means, every time church is happening, this gift (along with its partner gift, tongues), should happen. And the interpretation of tongues is for the strengthening of the church. Not a tearing down, not for criticizing or gossiping. The building up of the church is the only reason for this gift. (1 Corinthians 14:26 , “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.”)

If the gift of tongues has manifested up to three times and no interpretation has yet been given, then a fourth manifestation must not be allowed until the interpretation(s) is given. We are far more edified by an interpretation of tongues than by tongues alone and the building up of the Body is the purpose of the gifts. (1 Corinthians 14:27, “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.”)

The person with the gift of tongues is required to ask for the gift of interpretation of tongues when no one with the gift of interpretation is present. How do we know if there is someone present that can interpret? In many of today’s churches, with hundreds or thousands of people, it can be very difficult to know who has what gift. God has this situation covered—if there is no interpretation after a person manifests the gift of tongues, then that same person should ask for the gift of interpretation. Again, we are far more edified by words that we understand than from words that we do not understand. (1 Corinthians 14:13 and 28 says, "For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.” “If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.”)

This concludes the Special Issues on the gifts of the Spirit.

It is my prayer for you that Father will continue to help you to hear His voice, and more and more frequently.

With God’s grace and in His peace,

Gary

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