Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the term "tongue" is often used to refer to language or speech. It is a significant concept that appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the power, diversity, and spiritual implications of human language.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the word "tongue" is frequently used to denote language or speech. One of the earliest references is found in Genesis 11:1, where it is stated, "Now the whole world had one language and a common form of speech." This unity of language is disrupted at the Tower of Babel, where God confuses the language of the people, causing them to scatter over the face of the earth (Genesis 11:7-9). This event marks the origin of diverse languages and underscores the sovereignty of God over human communication. The Psalms and Proverbs often speak of the tongue in terms of its moral and ethical implications. Proverbs 18:21 declares, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This highlights the profound impact that words can have, for good or ill. Similarly, Psalm 34:13 advises, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech," emphasizing the importance of righteous speech. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the concept of "tongue" takes on additional dimensions, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. The most notable event involving tongues is the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in other tongues, or languages, as the Spirit gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). This miraculous event allows people from various nations to hear the apostles speaking in their own languages, signifying the universal reach of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of speaking in tongues in his letters to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 14, he provides guidance on the use of this spiritual gift within the church, emphasizing that it should be exercised in an orderly manner and for the edification of the church body. Paul states, "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit" (1 Corinthians 14:2). He further advises that if there is no interpreter, the speaker should remain silent in the church (1 Corinthians 14:28). Theological Implications Theologically, the use of the tongue is seen as a reflection of the heart. Jesus teaches that "out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). This underscores the belief that speech is not merely a mechanical function but is deeply connected to one's inner spiritual state. James 3:5-6 warns of the tongue's potential for destruction, comparing it to a small spark that can set a great forest ablaze, and describes it as "a world of unrighteousness." The diversity of languages is also seen as part of God's creative design, reflecting the multiplicity and richness of human cultures. Yet, the ultimate goal of redemption is the unification of all peoples under the lordship of Christ, as seen in the vision of Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne of God. In summary, the concept of "tongue" in the Bible encompasses the power of speech, the diversity of languages, and the spiritual significance of communication. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with the gift of language and the potential for both blessing and harm. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 10:5,20By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 66:18 Revelation 7:9 Greek 1100. glossa -- the tongue, a language ... the tongue, a language. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: glossa Phonetic Spelling: (gloce-sah') Short Definition: the tongue, a language, nation ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1100.htm - 7k 1258. dialektos -- speech, language 2084. heteroglossos -- of another tongue 1447. Hebraisti -- in Hebrew, in Aramaic Strong's Hebrew 3961. lishshan -- tongue... language. Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to lashon Definition tongue NASB Word Usage language (6), tongue (1). language. (Aramaic ... /hebrew/3961.htm - 6k 3956. lashon -- tongue 762. Aramith -- the language of Aram (Syria) 3937. laaz -- to talk indistinctly or unintelligibly Library A Clean Tongue. Dignity of the Scripture Language. The Abiding Gift and Its Transitory Accompaniments God Spelling Himself Out in Jesus. The Miracle of Tongues. The Evolution of Language The Tongue. Language of the New Testament. 1 in the Character of the Original ... For Eight Years Gregory Has Given up the Practice Of The Figurative Language of Scripture. Resources What does it mean to have a double tongue? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean and when will it happen that every knee shall bow? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about talking too much / being talkative? | GotQuestions.org Tongue: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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