Speaking in Tongues PDF: What the Bible Really Says
The Four Different Kinds of Tongues in the Bible: A Deeper Explanation
Dr. David and Joanna Hairabedian
Audio recorded at Sid Roth Studios
The Bible speaks of the gift of tongues as one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, but many are surprised to learn that there are different kinds of tongues described in Scripture. Understanding these distinctions clears up confusion, builds faith, and helps believers flow in the Spirit with greater confidence.
1. Tongues as a Supernatural Sign to the Unbeliever
Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 14:22 that tongues can serve as a sign to unbelievers. This is most clearly seen in Acts 2, when the disciples spoke in languages they had never learned, yet foreign visitors in Jerusalem heard them proclaiming the wonderful works of God in their own native tongues. This type of tongue is evangelistic and outward-focused—a miraculous sign that points directly to the reality of God’s power.
2. Tongues for Private Devotion and Prayer
Paul also writes, “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). This form of tongues is a personal prayer language—not intended for public interpretation but for private communion with God. It edifies and strengthens the believer, aligning their spirit with the Spirit of God (see Romans 8:26).
3. Tongues with Interpretation in the Church
In the gathered assembly, Paul emphasizes that tongues should be accompanied by interpretation so that the whole body may be edified (1 Corinthians 14:5, 27). When someone speaks in tongues in this context, the Holy Spirit also provides the interpretation, either to the speaker or to another believer. Together, this functions as a form of prophecy, building up, encouraging, and comforting the church.
4. Tongues for Deep Intercession
Another expression of tongues is found in Romans 8:26, where Paul describes the Spirit interceding through us with “groanings too deep for words.” These tongues often emerge during times of prayer when the weight of intercession is heavy, and human language is insufficient. Here, the Spirit Himself prays through the believer, aligning with the perfect will of God, even when the mind does not fully understand what is being prayed.
Why This Matters Today
Each of these four kinds of tongues has a unique purpose—whether as a witness to unbelievers, a means of personal edification, a corporate gift with interpretation, or a tool for intercession. Recognizing the distinctions empowers believers to operate with wisdom and confidence, avoiding confusion while embracing the full expression of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. 83 pages.
Contents
The Night the Power Fell at Leavenworth Penitentiary .. 1
If You Truly Want to Know....................................................... 3
Tongues Came First at Pentecost ....................................... 7
Holy Spirit Power Brings Opposition.............................. ....10
The Infilling of the Holy Spirit ........................................ 12
Evidences of the Spirit’s Baptism................................... 13
Tongues as a Witness and Testimony............................ 16
A Prisoner’s Father on His Deathbed............................. 19
Four Different Types of Tongues ................................... 21
I. Tongues as a Sign to the Unbeliever....................... ..21
II. Tongues for Personal Edification ............................. 22
Is it Right for Me to Edify Myself? ................................. 24
We Are God’s Building ................................................... 25
My Personal Testimony ................................................. 26
III. Tongues for Interpretation.................................... 27
Why All the Confusion?.................................................. 29
Creating A Safe Environment for the Gifts be Utilized.. 31
Present Statistics of World Evangelism ......................... 33
The Philippines Survey................................................... 35
Does Billy Graham Speak in Tongues?........................... 36
IV. Tongues of Deep Intercessional Groanings .......... 40
Some Wrongly Teach That Tongues Have Ceased.......... 43
Some Church History on the Gifts of the Spirit ................ 44
And Knowledge Shall Be Increased.................................... 48
The False Doctrine That Tongues Have Ceased...............50
Jesus Is the Perfect One..........................................................52
Until Perfection Comes, We Need the Gifts of the Spirit..53
Five Types of People Who Received the Holy Spirit in the
Book of Acts ...................................................................54
The Prepared (Acts 2:1–4) ..............................................54
The Open (Acts 8:13–17) ................................................55
The Antagonistic and Hostile (Acts 9:1-11)..................57
The Unlikely (Acts 10:44–48) ..........................................60
The Uninformed (Acts 19:1-6) .......................................61
My Personal Experience.................................................63
God is No Respecter of Persons..................................65
How to Receive ..............................................................66
Prayer for Holy Spirit Baptism.......................................67
“I Believe I Received When I Prayed!”.........................69
Now That You Are Filled With the Holy Spirit............72
Using Tongues for Personal Edification......................74
“Pray Without Ceasing”...................................................75
Paul Is Transported on a Ship .......................................79
Conclusion..........................................................................85