…to another the interpretation of tongues.

I Corinthians 12:10

The Interpretation of Tongues is a supernatural manifestation by which the Holy Spirit of God enables a believer to speak forth the meaning of a preceding utterance in other tongues. The Greek word translated “interpretation” is the word from which our English word “hermeneutics” comes. We understand “hermeneutics” to be the “art and science of Biblical interpretation.” In other words, we engage in Biblical “hermeneutics” when we expound the meaning of a particular passage in Holy Scripture. Thus, an “interpretation of tongues” would not necessarily be a “word-for-word” translation, but rather an “interpretation” – a declaration of the meaning and purpose expressed through the utterance in tongues.

When we understand the basic meaning of “interpretation,” then we understand why there might sometimes be a short utterance in tongues followed by a longer interpretation, or vice-versa. When expressing concepts from one language to another there is not always a direct word-for-word correspondence. For example, although I love the opportunity to preach with a translator, I have found that the “rhythm” of some languages is much different than that to which I am accustomed.

One reason for a difference in length between an utterance in one language and an “interpretation” into another, is that it might take several words in the other language to express the meaning of one word in English. One missionary who once translated for me informed me that in her language, there was not a word for “kneel.” Thus, when I used that word in my message, she had to translate into her language by saying “bend the knee.” I had to adjust my sense of “rhythm” while preaching to accommodate a language with which I was totally unfamiliar. Her “interpretation” of each of my sentences was longer than my original sentences in English had been.

Another reason why an “interpretation” of tongues might be longer in duration than the original utterance in tongues is that the interpretation might include explanatory content, making the meaning of the utterance clearer and more easily understandable. My friend, Rev. Joe Jordan, calls this type of interpretation an “amplified interpretation.”

An interpretation of tongues might manifest through an individual in any of the various ways other manifestation gifts might occur. In my experience, which is not necessarily the “rule” by any means, most interpretation of utterances in tongues “bubble up” on the inside and are spoken out inspirationally by faith. Often, one will not be certain of what will be said until the instant immediately before it is spoken. I have found that “bubbling” utterances (whether interpretations of tongues or prophecies) generally flow more fluently through those who spend much time praying in other tongues privately, training their tongue to “hook up” with their born again spirit (which is indwelt by the Holy Spirit Who furnishes these manifestations).

In addition, I have experienced the interpretation of tongues revealed through a mini-vision which held the “key” to the meaning of the utterance in tongues. In the first church I ever pastored, an older lady who was frequently used to give utterances in tongues in the congregation delivered a “message” in tongues one Sunday morning. While the utterance in tongues was going forth, I saw in a mini-vision a hand drop an acorn into the ground and water it. Then I saw the first sprout followed by more and more sprouts and branches until there was a fully grown tree laden with fruit. If I remember correctly, the interpretation had to do with the fact that when a seed is sown initially it appears small. But when irrigated and cultivated it sprouts, grows, blossoms and brings forth fruit. The comparison was made with the spiritual life of the believer. The “seed” of God’s Word grows in our hearts to bring forth holy fruit unto the Lord for His Glory.

My father-in-law experienced a unique manifestation of the interpretation of tongues. When an utterance in tongues came forth, he would “see” the interpretation written above the person’s head in red letters. Then he would simply read the letters and thus deliver the interpretation. Although that particular method of interpreting tongues has not yet occurred in my life, I have heard testimonies of others through whom the vocal gifts operated in that manner.

While we are not to “seek” personal guidance and direction through these manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit, as a lazy substitute for time spent in prayer and in God’s Word, I do encourage believers to begin to flow in “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Eph. 5:19) in their personal devotional time with the Lord, speaking forth in “simple” prophetic utterance as well as through interpretation of certain things we’ve prayed out in other tongues. These manifestations of the Holy Spirit can be a source of tremendous personal edification in our personal prayer time. In addition, we will be further “training our tongue” to “hook up” with the Holy Spirit so that we are in better position to recognize His operations and better yield to Him when He desires to flow through us in supernatural ministry to others. Be Blessed!