Religion:Interpretation of tongues

In Christian theology, interpretation of tongues is one of the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12. This gift is used in conjunction with that of the gift of tongues—the supernatural ability to speak in a language (tongue) unknown to the speaker. The gift of interpretation is the supernatural enablement to express in an intelligible language an utterance spoken in an unknown tongue. This is not learned but imparted by the Holy Spirit; therefore, it should not be confused with the acquired skill of language interpretation. While cessationist Christians believe this miraculous charism has ceased, Charismatic and Pentecostal Christians believe this gift continues to operate within the church.

Biblical description

Much of what is known about this gift was recorded by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 14. In this passage, guidelines for the proper use of the gift of tongues were given. In order for the gift of tongues to be beneficial to the edification of the church, such supernatural utterances were to be interpreted into the language of the gathered Christians. If no one among the gathered Christians possessed the gift of interpretation, then the gift of tongues was not to be publicly exercised. Those possessing the gift of tongues were encouraged to pray for the ability to interpret.

See also

• Glossolalia ("speaking in tongues")

External links

• Study on 1 Corinthians 12
• The following video was recorded during a Sunday Prayer Meeting on 10 February 2008 in the city of Cochin, in the southern Indian state of Kerala. This prayer group functions under the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in India. Click on the following link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x_NmYZ1OCY