Does Speaking in Tongues Involve Human Languages?

Asher Chee |

According to the Bible, speaking in tongues always involves speaking in human languages. However, several Bible passages are often used to teach that “speaking in tongues” sometimes involves speaking non-human languages. What do those Bible passages actually teach?

Angelic Languages?

First Corinthians 13:1 says,

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. (ESV)

Does “tongues of men and of angels” mean that when a person speaks in tongues, he is actually speaking in non-human languages?

In reality, the “tongues of men and of angels” here do not refer to speaking in tongues. Whatever they are, Paul’s argument in this passage implies that it is not possible to attain them. In the next verse, Paul lists other things which are not attainable, such as understanding all mysteries and all knowledge. Just as it is not possible to understand all mysteries and all knowledge, it is likewise not possible to speak “the tongues of men and of angels”. Paul’s argument was that even if it were possible, it would be worthless if it were not done out of love.

Moreover, “tongues of angels” does not mean angelic languages that are non-human. For example, in the Bible, manna was called the “bread of angels” (Psa. 78:25). Yet, this does not mean that manna was non-human food. Rather, the expression “of angels” simply indicates supreme quality. Therefore, the expression “tongues of angels” means eloquent speech, and not non-human languages.

“No One” Understands?

First Corinthians 14:2 says,

For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. (ESV)

It is often assumed that the “no one” here means absolutely no one. However, in context, the Apostle Paul was discouraging the practice of speaking in tongues in a church meeting if no interpretation is given. Therefore, the “no one” here refers to no one among those present in that church meeting.

For example, let us say that a person attends a church meeting where no one knows the Chinese language. If he starts speaking in tongues in Chinese, then no one in that church meeting would understand him. Yet, this does not change the reality that Chinese is a human language.

Holy Spirit Praying through Us?

First Corinthians 14:14 says,

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. (ESV)

Does this mean that when a person prays in tongues, the Holy Spirit is praying through him?

The pronoun “my” (Greek: μου) makes it clear that the word “spirit” here refers to the human spirit, and not the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul was affirming that when a person prays in a tongue, his human spirit is praying; it is a genuine prayer from his own spirit.

In verses 15 and 16, the word for “spirit” is used with the definite article. This indicates that Paul was referring to the same “spirit” which he mentioned previously in verse 14—the human spirit, and not the Holy Spirit (c.f. ESV, NIV).

Praying in the Holy Spirit?

The expression “praying in the Holy Spirit” is found in two Bible passages:

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:18 ESV)

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, (Jude 20 ESV)

Does “praying in the Holy Spirit” mean praying in tongues?

In reality, “praying in the Holy Spirit” simply means to pray with the help of the Holy Spirit. This can be done in any language. The Bible does not indicate that a person must pray in tongues in order to pray in the Holy Spirit.

Moreover, while “praying in the Holy Spirit” is something that all Christians should do, speaking in tongues is something that not all Christians can do (1 Cor. 12:30). This makes it clear that “praying in the Holy Spirit” is not the same thing as praying in tongues.

Holy Spirit’s Groanings = Tongues?

Romans 8:26 says,

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (ESV)

It is sometimes assumed that the “groanings” here refer to speaking in tongues. However, this Bible passage has nothing to do with speaking in tongues at all. It simply teaches the reality that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we do not know how to pray rightly. We do not speak or pray in tongues in order for this to happen.

Moreover, the “groanings” here are described as “too deep for words” (ESV, NASB), “cannot be uttered” (KJV), or “wordless” (NIV). The Greek word there is alalētos (ἀλάλητος), meaning “unspoken”. It is formed from

In other words, these “groanings” do not involve laleō, “speaking”. This Greek verb for “speaking”, laleō, is the same verb used throughout the New Testament for the act of “speaking in tongues”. Since these “groanings” do not involve speaking, then they cannot refer to speaking in tongues!

Conclusion

None of these Bible passages indicate that speaking in tongues involves speaking in a non-human language. Other Bible passages clearly indicate that speaking in tongues involves speaking in human languages (Acts 2:4, 6, 11).