What is the gift of interpretation of tongues?

Within many churches you will hear about how believers speak in tongues, be it referenced to as the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in a prayer language or like manner.  What role does the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues play in churches?  Is the interpretation of tongues synonymous with speaking in tongues?

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he includes the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues as a separate gift from the gift of speaking in tongues.

 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given though the Spirit the message of wisdom…to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All of these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” (I Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV)

Likewise, the Apostle Paul used rhetorical questioning to indicate that the interpretation of tongues is distinctly separate from the other spiritual gifts.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?  But eagerly desire the greater gifts?” (I Corinthians 12:27-30 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

The Apostle Paul later explains how the interpretation of tongues plays an important role for having orderly worship, especially since publicly speaking in tongues is meaningless to a church congregation unless an interpreter is present.  In similar manner, Scripture also teaches that some believers may reach a point of excitement where they may experience speaking in ecstatic utterances of praise during their personal time of worship and/or prayer.  Nevertheless, the Apostle Paul’s letter emphasizes the importance of having order while having these experiences during church services. 

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.  Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit…He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he prophesies edifies the church.  I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.  He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.”  (I Corinthians 14:2, 4-5 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

 

“Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?  Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?  Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?  So it is with you.  Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying?  You will just be speaking into the air…For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.” (I Corinthians 14:6-9 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

 

“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 anyone speaks in a tongue, two – or at the most three – should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.  If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.  Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.  But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (I Corinthians 14:26-28, 39-40 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

 

In summary, the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues, or the translation of languages, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to miraculously translate the words of another believer speaking in an unfamiliar language and/or dialect, otherwise known as speaking in tongues.  The interpretation of tongues is not normally practiced as much as it was during the days of the original church.  However, believers should still familiarize themselves with the guidelines for this gift, in the event that the Holy Spirit may guide a believer or believers to speak in tongues during a church service.  Overall, the most important role of this gift is ensuring that the message of salvation is spread and related to others in an understandable manner…for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.