Interpretation of Tongues
You scored high on “interpretation of tongues;” it’s one of your primary supernatural orientations (S.O.). The supernatural orientations are based on the list of spiritual gifts (or “graces” (charisma) found in 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10. This survey may describe what you already know, or it may help you understand a gift you operate in but weren’t aware it was a spiritual gift or supernatural orientation. That’s probably not the case with this gift.
Definition
This spiritual gift “word of wisdom” is found in 1 Cor. 12:10 and is translated from the Greek word: hermeneia glossa. Hermeneia is the word from which we get hermeneutics – the study of interpreting scripture. It does not mean translating, but rather giving an equivalent meaning, not a “word-for-word”rendering. It is the supernatural ability to express the meaning in the known language of the individual or group of what has been spoken in tongues for the individual or group.
Function and Impact
The gifts of tongues and interpretation of tongues have stirred controversy in some churches and movements. We cannot attempt a full treatment here due to space. Paul spent chapter 13 talking about the priority of love. We plead for love,tolerance and grace and we encourage believers to be open to this supernatural gift of the Spirit of God.
Paul outlines the role of this gift in 1 Cor. 14. Often, the person who has the gift of tongues for ministry also has the gift of interpretation. Here is a short discussion of how this gift and interpretation should work in real life:
First, in verse 2, Paul explains that speaking in tongues is the verbal expression of one’s spirit, and that it is “mysteries to God.” (vs.2). Then he goes on to spend the rest of the chapter talking about the superiority of prophecy to tongues. This is because when the body is gathered, a message in tongues will not edify people because they won’t understand it unless the gift of interpretation is operating. But a prophetic message will edify people because it’s in their language.
We believe when the body is gathered and ministering to each other, messages in tongues should be interpreted. But if a group of believers are all praying or worshipping aloud together, it’s not an issue, as the point is not for the group to receive a word from an individual – they are all speaking or singing aloud. Paul’s point in 1 Cor. 14 is about making the message intelligible to the hearers in order to edify them.
If everyone is singing in Spanish and I’m singing in English, as long as I’m not distracting others, it’s not a problem. But if it’s quiet and an individual shares a song or a spoken message, it needs to be in a language the audience can understand; if in a tongue, and it’s from the Holy Spirit, someone (often the same person) will operate in this gift and get the interpretation and share it.
Biblical Example
1 Cor. 14:13-19 Paul encourages us to pursue the gift of interpretation so more people would understand God’s message and His love.
“Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.” (1 Cor. 14:12)
Interpreting tongues is a gift to encourage people with God’s words. Paul mentions it when discussing the topic of spiritual gifts being practiced at the church in Corinth: “When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” (1 Cor. 14:26)