The interpretation of foreign tongues, often referred to as the interpretation of tongues, is a spiritual gift mentioned in the New Testament. This gift is closely associated with the gift of speaking in tongues, where individuals are empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak in languages they have not learned. The interpretation of tongues allows for the understanding and edification of the church when such languages are spoken.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the interpretation of tongues is found in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, Paul lists the interpretation of tongues as one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit: "to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues."

Paul further elaborates on the purpose and practice of this gift in 1 Corinthians 14. He emphasizes the importance of intelligibility in worship, stating, "For this reason, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say" (1 Corinthians 14:13). The interpretation ensures that the congregation can be edified, as Paul notes, "But if there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God" (1 Corinthians 14:28).

Purpose and Function

The interpretation of tongues serves several key purposes within the Christian community:

1. Edification of the Church: The primary purpose of interpreting tongues is to build up the body of Christ. When a message in tongues is interpreted, it becomes understandable to the congregation, allowing all to be encouraged and instructed.

2. Order in Worship: Paul stresses the need for order in worship services. The interpretation of tongues helps maintain this order by ensuring that messages are clear and beneficial to all present.

3. Confirmation of the Spirit's Work: The gift of interpretation, like other spiritual gifts, serves as a sign of the Holy Spirit's active presence within the church. It confirms that God is speaking and working among His people.

Theological Considerations

From a theological perspective, the interpretation of tongues underscores the diversity and unity of the body of Christ. It highlights the universal nature of the gospel, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. This gift also reflects the early church's experience at Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in various languages, allowing people from different nations to hear the gospel in their native tongues (Acts 2:4-11).

Practical Application

In practice, the interpretation of tongues requires discernment and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Those who possess this gift are encouraged to seek God's guidance in accurately conveying the message spoken in tongues. The church is called to test and weigh such interpretations, ensuring they align with Scripture and the character of God.

The interpretation of foreign tongues remains a topic of discussion and varying practice within different Christian denominations. While some view it as a gift for the early church, others believe it continues to be relevant and active today. Regardless of differing views, the interpretation of tongues is recognized as a means by which God communicates His truth and love to His people.1 Corinthians 14:9-19
So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air.
Nave's Topical Index

The Miracle of Tongues.
... and to which another grace was sometimes added, viz., that of interpretation. ... Finally,
the notion that these tongues refer to foreign languages not ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxviii the miracle of tongues.htm

Careful Treatment Required.
... consciousness; and so do not insure the correctness of their interpretation of the ...
holy lips of Jesus, a laying on of hands, a speaking with foreign tongues. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/i careful treatment required.htm

The Miracle of Pentecost and the Birthday of the Christian
... hearers by coming home to them at once in their own mother-tongues; while in Corinth
it required an interpretation to be understood. The foreign spectators, at ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 24 the miracle of.htm

The Spiritual Gifts.
... [617] The speaking with tongues is an ... among foreign peoples and in foreign languages,
but ... the speaker himself, and indirectly, through interpretation, for the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 45 the spiritual gifts.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... to the text they have also found there; what has received no interpretation or witness ...
dying inmates of a hospital, or the soldier perishing in a foreign land. ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Psalm CXX.
... of all prayeth God against these very tongues: for he ... man changeth his country, and
this foreign sojourn is ... far as we remember of the interpretation of Hebrew ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxx.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 1
... is without signification:" ie, so many tongues, so many ... of tongue only, but also
of interpretation, that thou ... in the Persian, or any other foreign tongue, and ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxv 1 cor xiv.htm

The Kingdom and the King
... before the blast, by the dread of foreign invasion and ... construction of his words
the rule for their interpretation. ... the Cross, drawing men of many tongues to it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the kingdom and the king.htm

part ii.
... of no small consequence in the subsequent interpretation,) that the ... before many people,
and nations, and tongues, and kings ... and, as I hope, not foreign from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/part ii .htm

Introduction
... 48:5). Perhaps, too, they spoke with tongues, though the references are equally
open to the interpretation that they ... acted as a sort of "foreign secretary" for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/introduction.htm

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