Not every manifestation of speaking in tongues is necessarily to be interpreted. When reading the Bible, it is quite clear that that there are different types of manifestations of tongues and some are to be interpreted and some not. Interpretation of tongues is the last stronghold of confusion that Satan uses to keep Christians from pursuing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Some Christians say “all tongues are supposed to be interpreted”. However, when one takes a closer look at scripture, it becomes clear that not every form or type of tongues is to be interpreted. Paul writes in I Corinthians “…if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful”. So, why would Paul’s mind be unfruitful? Obviously, Paul was experiencing and practicing a type of tongues that were not to be interpreted. Otherwise, why would he make the statement that his mind (natural mind) would be unfruitful? And, it is noted that in this particular verse, Paul says “pray” in the spirit as compared to saying “speak” in a tongue. So, what’s the difference? Paul mentions nothing about interpreting his “prayer” in the spirit.

Then, Paul says in the same chapter “…I will sing in the spirit…”. So, now we have even a third type of manifestation of tongues, all in the same chapter! Does Paul say anything about interpreting his “singing in the spirit”. He absolutely does not. You can’t find it. Quite clearly, Paul is talking about several different types of manifestations of tongues. They are all supernatural and they are all given by God through the Holy Spirit. Only a most selective interpretation of I Corinthians 14 can even try to say that all tongues are to be interpreted and then any such position fails in the context of the whole chapter.

A very important principle in scripture interpretation is that any one scripture must be interpreted in the context of all scripture. That means, a reader cannot go through the Bible and simply “pull out” the particular verses (or passages) of scripture that he or she may feel comfortable with concerning a particular topic. And, then apply only these select few verses in an attempt to interpret what the Bible is saying on the subject. To do this is called “proof texting” and it leads to erroneous interpretation of scripture.

It is important to measure any idea or interpretation we may have concerning a topic in the Bible, against every scripture and every place in the Bible that the particular topic is mentioned. Then the reader, after meditation and prayer, can draw an informed and enlightened conclusion about the matter.

Pastor Steven Kuhlke
 

Publish Date: August 25, 2005

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