What does the Bible say about speaking in tongues?
Speaking in tongues appears in Acts (often as known languages for the gospel) and in 1 Corinthians (as a spiritual gift for prayer and, with interpretation, for the church). Christians disagree on whether it continues today; all agree it must build up the body and follow Scripture’s order.
At Pentecost (Acts 2), tongues were real human languages, enabling the gospel to be heard by many nations.
In 1 Corinthians 12–14, tongues are a Spirit-given gift Paul regulates carefully: limited speakers, with interpretation, and never replacing intelligible teaching. "In church I would rather speak five words with my mind… than ten thousand words in a tongue" (14:19).
Continuationists believe the gift continues; cessationists believe it served the apostolic founding era. Both honor Paul’s rule: let all things be done decently and for edification.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.