Utterance Gifts ~ Interpretations of Tongues ~ Gateway to Heaven

We conclude our investigation of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit with the final Utterance gift, Interpretation of Tongues.  This gift of the Spirit depends upon another gift — Divers Kinds of Tongues in order to function.  It does not function unless tongues are in operation.

Picture what some call the ‘pearly gates of Heaven’ or think of a brightly- colored iridescent pearl.  That is the color I have given to Interpretation of Tongues.  A pearl is mostly white which is a righteous color but also emanates a combination of all colors, like a rainbow.  I conclude it represents the variety of tongue interpretations aka heavenly languages.

Recall in scripture the pearl gates of Heaven (the New Jerusalem): The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.  (Revelation 21:21).

And Jesus’s words: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”  (Matthew 13:45-46).

We have learned that we can speak with the tongues of men and of angels from the previous post.  Therefore, the understanding of what is spoken is akin to opening a gateway to Heaven.

What is Interpretations of Tongues and why does the Lord use it?

 Quite simply, the name explains the gift!  And why is self-explanatory, it is an ‘unknown’ tongue!  It’s like when someone speaks in a foreign language, we want to understand what is said.  We want to be involved but it’s like “Say what?”  That is why this gift is so necessary especially in group settings so we can all be in one accord.

 “1 Corinthians 14:14 Paul says, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.” This is interpreted by some to mean that when Paul prayed in the Spirit, he used a ‘heavenly tongue’ and did not himself know what he was praying.

I Corinthians 14:6 & 9 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?  {9} So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.

Verse 9 tells us that without interpretation of the tongues with words that are easy to understand, there is no communication. You will be unsuccessful trying to communicate God’s message. The purpose of this gift is solely to interpret what has been uttered in tongues. Then, those that hear it will understand what the Holy Spirit is saying.”

Microsoft Word - Gifts of the Spirit 05-Tongues and Interpretation.doc (mentoringministry.com)

 I reiterate what my friend Pastor Patricia said: “I believe Satan hates the gift of tongues, because he cannot understand them. He understands our natural speaking. I believe he trys to divide the church regarding this gift of the Holy Spirit.  Satan hates the Baptism of the Spirit.  He could divide us by our doctrines and cause us not to be united.  He also could make us powerless so that we may not accomplish those things that are of the miraculous.  He does this by distracting us from believing that the gifts are available to us.”

 How is this gift used by the Lord? 

There is heavenly guidance and instruction for the use of all gifts but especially this gift (for more study, read 1 Corinthians 14 explaining in depth the operation of the gifts).   I say this because I recall being in a church service (visiting) and it was out of order.  As I sat in the worship service probably a fourth of the church was speaking in tongues.  I felt left out as there were too many languages going forth and no one interpreting.  I felt like standing up and shouting “Say What”? 

Say what is right when the gift of tongues is in action in a group of people or a church setting.  This is especially important in a church setting where multiple people could be speaking in tongues, and no one knows what is being said.  If we all spoke in tongues in a pure spirit without any human motives, then perhaps there would be no need for the interpretation of tongues.  But God says there is not one righteous, no not one!  So, we must depend on each other when tongues are in use.

My friend and co-laborer in Jesus, Wanda has much experience in the Gift of Interpretations.  She tells me “You just know the meaning when the message is given in tongues.”  It is similar to prophecy in that one has revelation dumped into their spirit and the meaning becomes clear.  The Lord uses this gift so that the church be edified by it through interpretation."

She continues: “Take no thought of what you are going to say, just obey God.  Wait for an interpretation from another and if no interpretation comes then, ask for the interpretation.  And if none comes, sit down.  You usually have one speak in tongues, then another speaks, and the meaning comes like prophecy…a knowing and there are witnesses that judge it.  Sometimes there won’t be a specific interpretation because it is for someone privately that hears it.”

My mentor Cindy also uses the gift.  She tells me she has received interpretations in both one on one and group settings.  Usually, interpretations are a praise of one kind, or another followed by a prophesy or word of knowledge.  I like to think of this gift as a paraphrase of what has been uttered for the edification of the people present.

“Paul, speaking about the public ministry of tongues states, "If any speak an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God."  (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).  

This means that not more than two or three people should speak in a course.  This administration was given to prevent competitive utterances in the local body.  The Bible gives us these instructions regarding the public ministry of the utterance gifts in order that, "...all things be done decently and in order."  (1 Corinthians 14:40).  From: LIFE IN JESUS-MINISTRIES: GIFT OF THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

An Example of Interpretations of Tongues in practice

I have read a miraculous story of fruit from the gift recently.  It is from: The Gifts and Ministries of the Holy Spirit, Lester Sumrall, Copyright 1982, Lester Sumrall Evangelical Association (LeSEA).

“A tremendous illustration of the fruit of this gift took place when I preached in Washington, D.C.  After my sermon, one brother gave a message and another interpreted.  When they had finished, a young man walked to the front, then spoke in a foreign language to the one who had given the message.  The brother answered, I'm sorry sir, but I don't understand any other language."

 The man replied, "But you spoke my language beautifully. I am Persian.  You spoke my language and told me that I must get right with God, that I must find God right now."  The brother answered, "No, it was the Spirit Who spoke to you.  It was God talking to you, not me."  He stood there, trembling, then knelt down and gave his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ.”  (LS p. 127)

What a powerful testimony to the amazing Gift of Interpretations.  I pray to see such marvels in my lifetime.  How about you?