This is a phenomenon that has erupted like wildfire, in our times and as of late predominantly throughout the Charismatic community. Is this phenomenon supported by the Bible? This study will look at the word itself and and also how it fares with regard to its context. Some of the other questions that we must address are:
What is this phenomenon?
Is this possible?
Does God speak to His people in a special language?
If this is so does that mean that only those who supposedly speak in such manner are saved?
Do we need a special language to speak to God?
If so what is that language?
Does that mean if we do not address God in such a language, does it mean that we are not saved?
Does God speak to us in a special language?
We can already start to respond to some of these questions in our minds as we look at this phenomenon. We must, however, examine the Bible before we can come to any conclusion as to the validity of this idea.This is a study that will concentrate on the concept of speaking in tongues that presumes that those that are filled with the Holy Spirit, saved, can speak in tongues. Let examine the word in the original languages of the Bible; Hebrew in the Old Testament (OT) and Creek in the New Testament.(NT) There are three words that's translated tongue in the OT; they are:.
1. The first word is 0762 tymra 'Aramiyth ar-aw-meeth' Translated as: AV - Syrian language 2, Syrian tongue 2, Syriack 1; for a total of 5 times
2. The second word is 02790 frx charash khaw-rash'. Translated as AV - ...peace 26, plow 13, devise 5, keep ... silence 5, hold...tongue 4,
altogether 3, plowman 2, cease 1, conceal 1, deaf 1, to ear 1,
graven 1, imagine 1, misc 9; for a total of 73 times.3. The third word is 03956 !wfl lashown law-shone' or !fl lashon law-shone' also (in plural) feminine hnfl l@shonah lesh-o-naw' (AV - tongue 98, language 10, bay 3, wedge 2, babbler 1, flame 1, speaker + 0376 1, talkers 1; for a total of 117
1. When we look at the use of the first word ( 0762 tymra 'Aramiyth ar-aw-meeth') we see and example of its use in Ezra 4:7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue <0762>, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue <0762>. This word is referring to the Syrian language. When we look at the meaning of the word in its context we find that the letter in question was in the Syrian language and yet when it was interpreted it was interpreted in the same language. What is the verse saying? Simply there is no mystery language involved because those who read the letter did not understand and someone had to explain (interpret) it for the king and perhaps others. This is very similar to our bringing of the Gospel. We interpret the Word of God in whatever tongue that we speak so others that do not understand will do.
2. The second word 02790 frx charash khaw-rash' is only translated four time as tongue out of 73 times in the OT.and the majority of the time (26) it is translated peace. The general sense of this is that or keeping quiet as we see one of the applications in Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue <02790>: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. We also see aits use as peace in Job 13:13 ¶ Hold your peace <02790>, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will.
3. The third word is 3956 !wfl lashown law-shone' or !fl lashon law-shone' used 117 times of which the majority of the times 98 it is used as tongue as an organ as in the part of the mouth or language, We won't list every use but we will see an example in Genesis 10:5 and in Exodus 4:10
Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue <03956>, after their families, in their nations.
Exodus 4:10 ¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue <03956>.
One time it is used as babbler as we read in Ecclesiates 10:11
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler <03956> is no better.
The above reference is not a very good one as it is liken to a serpent or Satan himself. It means that the tongue if not used properly, is liken to a serpent that has no regard when it bites. (We could take liberty in checking out all the 117 references in the OT. We cannot find anything so far that would allude to anything that indicates anything other that what we have stated above. This being so we will now look at the NT and see what we find there.
In the NT we find that the word "tongue" is translated from three different Creek words. They are::
A. (1447 ebraisti Hebraisti heb-rah-is-tee' - AV - in the Hebrew tongue 3, in the Hebrew 2, in Hebrew 1; 6 )
B. (1673 ellhnikoj Hellenikos hel-lay-nee-kos' - AV - Greek 2; 2)C. (1100 glwssa glossa gloce-sah' - AV - tongue 50; 50 )
Let us examine these three words and see how they are used so that we can get an idea whether any of these indicates in any of its context a reference to a heavenly language.
A. (1447 ebraisti Hebraisti heb-rah-is-tee')
We can see the word (1447 ebraisti Hebraisti heb-rah-is-tee') and it is the Hebrew language or tongue. We see all of it's six uses in the NT as follows:.
(1) John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue <1447> Bethesda, having five porches.
(2) John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew <1447>, and Greek, and Latin.
(3) John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew <1447> Golgotha:
(4) John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew <1447>, and Greek, and Latin.(5) Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue <1447> is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
(6) Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue <1447> Armageddon.
B. (1673 ellhnikoj Hellenikos hel-lay-nee-kos')
Our next task is to look at the word (1673 ellhnikoj Hellenikos hel-lay-nee-kos' ( AV - Greek 2; 2)) where it is referring to the Creek tongue or language as we look at both uses
(1) Luke 23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek <1673>, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue <1673> hath his name Apollyon.
C. (1100 glwssa glossa gloce-sah' )
As we check out the use of the word the word (1100 glwssa glossa gloce-sah' ( AV - tongue 50; 50 ) )
Here we see its use as either:
1) the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech
2) a tongue; the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations For example we see it's first use as an organ, a part of the body in Mark 7:23 and as a nation of distinct culture and dialect in Revelation 17:15 respectively.Following is a list of all the references to the word "tongue" We have taken great care to examine this list to determine whether there is any likely reference to a heavenly communication. At the end of each verse is the indicated use as (1) as an organ and (2) as a language.
Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue <1100>;(1)
Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue <1100> was loosed, and he spake plain.(1)
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues <1100>; (2)
Luke 1:64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue <1100> loosed, and he spake, and praised God.(1)
Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue <1100>; for I am tormented in this flame. (1)
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues <1100> like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (1)
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues <1100>, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues <1100> the wonderful works of God.
Acts 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue <1100> was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:(1)
Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues <1100>, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,(2)
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues <1100>, and prophesied.(2)
Romans 3:13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues <1100> they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:(1)
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue <1100> shall confess to God. (1)
1Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues <1100>; to another the interpretation of tongues <1100>:(2) (2)
1Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues <1100>. (2)
1Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues <1100>? do all interpret? (2)
1Corinthians 13:1 ¶ Though I speak with the tongues <1100> of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2)
1Corinthians 13:8 ¶ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues <1100>, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (2)
1Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue <1100> speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (2)
1Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue <1100> edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (2)
1Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues <1100>, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues <1100>, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (2)
1Corinthians 14:6 ¶ Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues <1100>, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? (2)
1Corinthians 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue <1100> words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. (2)
1Corinthians 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue <1100> pray that he may interpret. (2)
1Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue <1100>, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. (2)
1Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues <1100> more than ye all: (2)
1Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue <1100> (2).
1Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues <1100> are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (2)
1Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues <1100>, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? (2)
1Corinthians 14:26 ¶ How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue <1100>, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. (2)
1Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue <1100>, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. (2)
1Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues <1100>. (2)
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue <1100> should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (1)
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue <1100>, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. (1)
James 3:5 Even so the tongue <1100> is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (1)
James 3:6 And the tongue <1100> is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue <1100> among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. (1) (1)
James 3:8 But the tongue <1100> can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (1)
1Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue <1100> from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: (1)
1John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue <1100>; but in deed and in truth. (2)
Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue <1100>, and people, and nation;
Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues <1100>, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;(2)
Revelation 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues <1100>, and kings. (2)
Revelation 11:9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues <1100> and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. (2)
Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues <1100>, and nations. (2)
Revelation 14:6 ¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue <1100>, and people, (2)
Revelation 16:10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues <1100> for pain, (1)
Revelation 17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues <1100>. (2)
As we meticulously examine the verse above we could not see any reference to a heavenly language or any type of communication to or from God in such a manner. In the examples above we are unable to identify a single example of a heavenly language from God or that His people would use to reciprocate back to God. However, in this review one instance looks interesting; This study will not be complete if we do not look at the events on Pentecost day where this phenomenon supposedly originated. Acts 2:1-15
1 ¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing <5342> (5730) mighty<972> wind<4157>,, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues <1100> like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
The events of that day is as we read. In verse 2 we read about a rushing mighty wind. The word "rushing" indicate the same idea of the breath of life that's mentioned in Acts 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath <4157>, and all things; This same word shows the presence of God who is the giver of life as also indicated by the mention of a mighty "wind".
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues <1100>, as the Spirit gave them utterance.5 ¶ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man 7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Verse 4 tells us of cloven tongue or separate tongues upon each of them. The result was that they all began to speak with other tongues or (languages) as the Holy Spirit gives them the understanding. The word utterance<669> is used 3 times in the NT and in one of the passage in Acts 26:25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth <669> the words of truth and soberness. This reference is a response by apostle Paul's as Festus, a deputy of Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea, accused him of being crazy. The testimony of Paul is a witness to king Agrippa for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ on which the king was quite impressed. The speech by Paul is a way of declaring the Gospel which contains the Words of truth which is the Word of God. This is similar when we bring utterance of the Gospel.. Verse 4 would be a mystery verse where one would wonder about what it means. There is a mention of the men speaking in another tongue. What is the term "another tongue" referring to?. Fortunately, God explains in the following verses why they were saying in verse 4 means. Verse 5 tells us that there were devout or religious men from every nation under heaven who came out to see what the noise was all about and they were amazed to find that these men were speaking in their native language. The amazing thing about it was that the men that were speaking normally speak only Galileans and yet they were speaking in the language they were born with.
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues <1100> the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?Verses 9 - 11 gives a mention of those nations that were represented. The question asked in verse 12 is what does this all mean? The day of Pentecost as this day is is a ceremony prepared by God. Jesus before He ascended into heaven reminded the apostles in Acts 1:4 - 8 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 ¶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The events of Pentecost is significant in the ministry of the apostles. Even though they had been baptized in water, but they must wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit before they would venture out to be witnesses of Christ in all parts of the world. This is a picture for every believer. We must first be saved as indicated by the baptism of the Holy Ghost before we begin our ministry otherwise we would not have that Comforter that leads us and guides us in our witnessing. The day of Pentecost and the events thereby demonstrates to us the importance of bringing the Gospel. The presents of tongues like fire is the Gospel that we must bring to every nation and kindred and tongue. The fire points to the punishment in hell for those that would remain unsaved. God is basically pointing to the fact that there is no excuse for anyone to remain unsaved because the Gospel of life would be in every man's native tongue.No one could say "Well, I'm not saved because I didn't hear it in my native tongue" This will never be the case. The proof that salvation is of God is that even though we may hear it in our native tongue it is no guarantee that we would be saved, because God must first open our spiritual ears to save us. Salvation is predicated by God's election.Salvation therefore is ultimately in the Hand of God.
The word Pentecost means "the fiftieth day" which is the day after the 49th day. In our study of the number seven we have concluded that the number seven indicates the bringing of the Gospel. 49 is 7 times 7. We see this from the Old Testament in Leviticus 25:8-10
8 ¶ And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. 9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. 10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. 11 A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed. 12 For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field.
The fiftieth year is a jubilee year or a sabbath year which represents an atoning year where we rest on the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. This is the message we see here. God is revealing to us that the Gospel is to go out to every nation, kindred and tongue. This is the period where the Gospel is proliferated to all mankind. When all is complete after then the end will come. This is culminated by the salvation of about 3000 souls (Acts 2:41) on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is featured as the underlying force in bringing the Gospel.
CONCLUSION
We are confident in that we have discovered that the use of the word "tongue" does not point to a heavenly language or any unintelligible communication to or from God. There is no evidence and the Bible is silent on this phenomenon. It is foreign to the Bible and therefore we disregard it as a tool used by those who really have tried to manufacture themselves a god of their own making and How they came up with this idea, only the mind of men know but there is no evidence prescribed by the Bible to support this. Those that practice this know what they practice is not from God. Lord willing, we are studying the same phenomenon in the book of 1Corinthians 14 which would support this finding.
The essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the saving of souls. This is the mandate of every believer to bring the Gospel. This is what we find as God appoints us that have been saved to be a witness for Him in whatever language or kindred or tongue that we speak. May God give us the eyes to see and the ears to hear
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