It’s Not Fake, It’s Personal: : Understanding the Purpose of Speaking in Tongues
“If you’re speaking in tongues and there’s no interpretation, it must be fake.”
I’ve heard this said before. And honestly, I get where it’s coming from. Many have seen tongues expressed loudly, publicly, and without clarity—understandably raising concerns about order, authenticity, or emotionalism.
But what if the issue isn’t necessarily authenticity—but context?
Two Expressions of Tongues
The New Testament reveals that there isn’t just one way tongues operate. In fact, Paul clearly distinguishes between:
Tongues as a ministry gift (for public use), and
Tongues for personal edification (private prayer)
Let’s look at both.
1. Tongues for Personal Edification
“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NIV)
Paul isn’t describing something meant to be understood by others. In this case, the person is praying to God, not people. He adds in verse 4:
“The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself…”
This is the use of tongues for personal spiritual nourishment—a private language between the believer and God, stirred by the Holy Spirit. No interpreter is needed here, because the conversation isn’t horizontal; it’s vertical.
2. Tongues as a Ministry Gift
Now contrast that with the setting of a public gathering:
“If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:27
When tongues are spoken aloud to the gathered church, they are meant to edify the body. Therefore, interpretation is crucial. Without it, Paul says the speaker should pray quietly to themselves and to God (v. 28).
This is where confusion happens: people witness someone praying in tongues publicly without interpretation and assume it must be false or attention-seeking. But context matters. It may be a personal moment, not a public ministry moment.
Not Fake—Just Misunderstood
Labeling all uninterpreted tongues as “fake” is an overcorrection. Yes, there are counterfeits and excesses. But misuse doesn’t invalidate right use.
Sometimes, someone might be praying quietly during worship or in their seat, tongues flowing as they commune with God. That doesn’t need interpretation. It just needs understanding.
An Invitation, Not a Debate
Whether you’re cautious, curious, or simply confused about tongues, I invite you into deeper study—not just of Scripture, but of the Holy Spirit Himself. Read 1 Corinthians 12–14. Ask questions. Stay open.
The Spirit of God isn’t chaotic or confusing—but He is alive and still speaking.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
—1 Corinthians 14:40
So yes—order matters. But so does openness. Let’s make space for both.
