Bible Dictionary
Tongues, Gift of
The gift of tongues was a manifestation of the Holy Spirit seen especially at Pentecost and in the early churches. It involved Spirit-enabled speech requiring interpretation in congregational worship, while at Pentecost people heard the message in their own languages.
Biblical Usage
Tongues appear at Pentecost and in several early Christian communities. Paul treats them as a divine gift, but limits public use without an interpreter and emphasizes that love and edification are superior to showy speech.
Scripture References
Acts 2:4
Mark 16:17
Acts 2:9
Joel 2:28
Joel 2:29
1 Corinthians 12:10-14:30
Acts 2:1-13
Acts 10:46
Acts 19:6
2 Corinthians 12:1
2 Corinthians 14:1
Matthew 10:19
Matthew 10:20
Mark 13:11
Acts 2:1-12
Acts 14:11
1 Corinthians 12
1 Corinthians 14:1
1 Chronicles 25:1
Ezekiel 13:9
1 Samuel 10:5-13
1 Samuel 19:20-24
1 Chronicles 25:3
Acts 14:16-10
Acts 10:47
Acts 11:15
Acts 11:17
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
1 Corinthians 12:28-30
1 Corinthians 14:15
1 Corinthians 14:16
1 Corinthians 12:28
1 Corinthians 13:1