Tongue

The Tongue in the Bible is the organ of speech and, by extension, a language or a people, from the Hebrew lashon and the Greek glōssa. Proverbs and Psalms warn against the lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17), and James calls it a small member that can set the whole course of life on fire (James 3:1-12).

At Babel God confused human languages (Genesis 11:1-9); at Pentecost each listener heard the gospel in his own language (Acts 2:6-8), and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11).

1. Etymology and roots in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the term Tongue is primarily translated from the Hebrew word lashon (לָשׁוֹן). This word has a range of meanings that go beyond the simple anatomical organ. Lashon can refer to the tongue as part of the mouth, to speech or discourse, to a specific language, to a people or nation that speaks a certain language, and even to metaphors for slander or deceit.

The Old Testament uses lashon in accounts of language and speech. In the narratives, we see the diversity of languages as a sovereign act of God at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where the confusion of languages dispersed humanity. This event establishes the notion that God is the originator and controller of language, using it both to unify and to differentiate peoples. However, prophetically, there are promises of a time when all tongues will confess God's sovereignty (Isaiah 45:23).

In wisdom literature, especially in Proverbs and Psalms, the tongue is frequently highlighted for its moral power. It is seen as an instrument that can be used for good or for evil. There are numerous warnings against the deceitful tongue (Psalm 120:2), the lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17) and the slandering tongue (Psalm 34:13). In contrast, the tongue of the righteous is like choice silver (Proverbs 10:20), and the tongue of the wise spreads knowledge (Proverbs 15:2). The control of the tongue is a recurring theme, indicating the importance of righteousness in speech.

In the Law and the Prophets, the tongue also assumes a significant role. False testimony, uttered by the tongue, was forbidden (Exodus 20:16), underscoring the sanctity of truth. The prophets, in turn, were spokesmen for God, and their tongues were used to proclaim the divine word (Jeremiah 1:9). This divine aspect of speech prepares the ground for understanding the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures and the authority of preaching.

The progressive development of revelation in the Old Testament shows the tongue as a central element in human identity and in the relationship with God. From the diversity of languages to the moral responsibility of discourse, the Old Testament establishes that communication is a divine gift with serious ethical and spiritual implications. The promise that all nations and tongues will praise God (Zechariah 8:23) anticipates the universal expansion of the Gospel in the New Testament, overcoming the barrier of Babel.

2. Tongue in the New Testament and its meaning

In the New Testament, the most common Greek words for Tongue are glōssa (γλῶσσα) and, to a lesser extent, dialektos (διάλεκτος). Glōssa, like its Hebrew equivalent lashon, can mean the physical organ of the tongue, a specific language or a group of people who speak a language, and the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues.

The literal meaning of glōssa as the organ of speech is evident in the Epistle of James, where the tongue is described as a small but powerful member, capable of setting the course of life on fire and being a source of great evil (James 3:1-12). James emphasizes the difficulty of taming the tongue, which is "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison," and highlights the hypocrisy of using it both to bless God and to curse men.

The use of dialektos is notable in the Pentecost narrative in Acts 2:6-8, where the listeners were perplexed because each heard them speaking in his own dialektos, his own native language. This event is crucial for understanding the gift of tongues, as the disciples were not speaking in unintelligible sounds, but in known human languages (xenolalia), which were understood by the foreigners present. Pentecost is, therefore, the symbolic reversal of Babel, unifying communication for the proclamation of the Gospel, rather than dispersing it.

The theological meaning of Tongue in the New Testament deepens with the spiritual gift of tongues (glossolalia), predominantly discussed in 1 Corinthians 12-14. This gift manifests as the ability to speak in tongues unknown to the speaker, whether human or, as Paul suggests, "tongues of angels" (1 Corinthians 13:1). The distinction between the tongues of Acts 2 (xenolalia for evangelism) and the tongues of Corinth (glossolalia for personal or church edification with interpretation) is vital for a correct hermeneutic.

The specific relationship of Tongue with the person and work of Christ is indirect, but fundamental. Christ, the incarnate Word (John 1:1, 14), is the source of all true and authoritative communication. The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ after His ascension, is the one who empowers believers with spiritual gifts, including the gift of tongues (Acts 2:33). The proclamation of the Gospel in all languages is an extension of Christ's mission, making His salvation accessible to "every tribe, tongue, people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9).

There is a clear continuity between the Old and New Testaments regarding the moral responsibility of the tongue and God's sovereignty over language. The discontinuity lies in the manifestation of the gift of tongues as a sign of the new covenant and the outpouring of the Spirit, overcoming linguistic barriers for the global dissemination of Christ's message.

3. Tongue in Pauline theology: the basis of salvation

Pauline theology offers the most extensive and detailed discussion on the gift of Tongues, especially in his letters to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12-14). Paul addresses the topic to correct abuses and misunderstandings in the Corinthian church, which overvalued the gift of tongues to the detriment of other gifts and order in worship. For Paul, all gifts, including that of tongues, are manifestations of the Holy Spirit for the edification of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7).

Paul establishes that not all believers receive the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:30), refuting the idea that it is a universal evidence of salvation or baptism in the Spirit. He compares the gifts of the Spirit to different members of a body, each with its unique and necessary function. The tongue, as a gift, should not be a cause for division or arrogance.

For the individual, Paul recognizes that "one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself" (1 Corinthians 14:4), suggesting a role in personal devotion and direct communication with God in prayer (1 Corinthians 14:2). For the church, however, the gift of tongues is only useful if there is interpretation, for without it, the church is not edified (1 Corinthians 14:5, 13). Paul states that "in the church, I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue" (1 Corinthians 14:19), prioritizing intelligibility and collective edification.

The apostle also mentions tongues as a "sign not for believers but for unbelievers" (1 Corinthians 14:22), echoing the event of Pentecost, where tongues served to validate the Gospel message to the dispersed Jews. However, he warns that if everyone in the church speaks in tongues without interpretation, unbelievers who enter may conclude that believers are mad (1 Corinthians 14:23).

Although the gift of tongues is not the basis of salvation, it relates to the doctrine of salvation (ordo salutis) in important ways. Confession with the tongue of faith in the Lord Jesus is integral to salvation, as Paul writes in Romans 10:9-10: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Here, the tongue is the instrument of public confession that accompanies saving faith, which is a gift of God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) and not of works of the Law or human merit.

Pauline theology, therefore, underlines the importance of the tongue in the manifestation of faith and in the proclamation of the Gospel, always subordinating the gifts to love (1 Corinthians 13) and order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Justification is by faith alone (sola fide) and by grace alone (sola gratia), but the tongue plays a role in the expression of this faith and in the dissemination of the message that leads to salvation. Sanctification involves the use of the tongue for the glory of God, and glorification will culminate when every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11).

4. Aspects and types of Tongue

The term Tongue, in its biblical scope, manifests in various aspects and types, each with its own theological nuances. A fundamental distinction is between the use of the tongue as the physical organ and human language, and the tongue as a supernatural spiritual gift.

In a moral aspect, the tongue is a powerful instrument of virtue or vice. James 3 describes it as a "fire," capable of "setting the course of nature on fire" and being "full of deadly poison." This moral aspect of the tongue is a matter of sanctification, where the believer is called to tame his tongue, using it to bless, edify, and speak the truth, instead of cursing, slandering, or deceiving (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:8). God's grace enables the believer to control his tongue, which, by nature, is rebellious.

In the linguistic and cultural aspect, language represents the diversity of human communication and the identity of nations. From the confusion of languages at Babel (Genesis 11) to the promise that all tongues will bow before Christ (Philippians 2:11), the Bible recognizes the multiplicity of languages. The event of Pentecost (Acts 2) is a high point, where the barrier of languages was miraculously overcome for the universal proclamation of the Gospel, demonstrating God's common grace that allows communication and His special grace that uses it for His redemptive purposes.

The charismatic aspect refers to the spiritual gift of tongues (glōssa). This gift presents itself in at least two distinct manifestations:

1. Xenolalia: The supernatural ability to speak in existing human languages that the speaker has never learned (as in Acts 2). Its primary purpose was evangelistic and as a sign for unbelievers, validating the apostolic message.
1. Glossolalia: The ability to speak in unknown tongues, which may be unintelligible to human listeners without interpretation (as in 1 Corinthians 14). This type of tongue is for personal edification in prayer (1 Corinthians 14:4) or for the edification of the church if interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:5). Paul mentions "tongues of men and of angels" (1 Corinthians 13:1), suggesting that glossolalia may include a form of celestial communication.

The distinction between common grace and special grace is relevant here. The inherent ability to speak and communicate is a manifestation of God's common grace. The supernatural gift of tongues, however, is a manifestation of special grace, granted by the Holy Spirit for specific purposes in the church.

In the history of the church, the gift of tongues has been the subject of different interpretations. Classic theologians like John Calvin and Martin Luther, living after the apostolic age, did not emphasize the practice of tongues as we know it today, focusing on the intelligible preaching of the Word. Their emphasis falls on the primacy of God's Word and expository preaching, which is intelligible and edifies all.

In the 20th century, with the emergence of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, there was a resurgence of the practice and theology of the gift of tongues. The gifts of the Spirit, tongues among them, remain active in the church today, and Paul asks that they be exercised with order and interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:27-28, 33, 40).

Doctrinal errors to be avoided include:

1. Making the gift of tongues a necessary evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit or of salvation, contradicting 1 Corinthians 12:30.
1. Exalting the gift above love (1 Corinthians 13) or the intelligible edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:19).
1. Allowing disorder and confusion in public worship in the name of the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:33).
1. Seeking the gift for selfish motives or for self-affirmation, instead of for the glory of God and the good of the church.

5. Tongue and the practical life of the believer

The theological understanding of the term Tongue has profound implications for the practical life of the believer, shaping his piety, worship, and service. Scripture emphasizes personal responsibility regarding the use of the tongue, as well as obedience to biblical precepts concerning speech and spiritual gifts.

First, the Christian life demands the moral control of the tongue. As James exhorts, the tongue is a small member with great power, and its taming is a sign of spiritual maturity (James 3:2). This translates into speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), avoiding lying (Colossians 3:9), slander, evil speaking, and gossip (Ephesians 4:31). The believer's tongue should be used to bless and not to curse, to build up and not to destroy. This control is not achieved by human effort alone, but by the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's heart, empowering him to put to death the deeds of the flesh and to produce the fruit of the Spirit.

Second, the tongue is a vital instrument in worship and the proclamation of faith. Our tongues are called to praise God, to confess His sovereignty, and to declare His wonderful works (Psalm 35:28). Corporate worship, in particular, should be characterized by songs and hymns that glorify God and instruct one another (Colossians 3:16). The preaching and teaching of God's Word, done intelligibly, are the core of Christian worship, for through them the Holy Spirit edifies the church and brings salvation to the lost (Romans 10:14-17). John Calvin and Martin Luther emphasized the centrality of expository preaching as the primary means by which God speaks to His people.

Third, the understanding of the gift of tongues informs the dynamics of the contemporary church. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14, prioritizes order, intelligibility, and edification in worship. If the gift of tongues is practiced, it must be done in an orderly manner, with interpretation, and always with the purpose of edifying all, not of confusing or causing disorder.

The Bible exhorts us to seek the greater gifts, especially prophecy (which is the intelligible proclamation of God's Word) and love above all gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31 14:1). This means that the church should value the clear teaching of Scripture and the practice of brotherly love as the distinctive marks of its life. Pastors should exhort believers to use their tongues for the glory of God, whether in private prayer, public confession of faith, evangelism, mutual edification, or the preaching of the Gospel.

The balance between doctrine and practice is crucial. The biblical doctrine concerning the tongue is not merely an academic exercise, but a call to holiness in all our communications. The grace of God, which saves us by faith in Christ, also enables us to live a life of obedience, where every word uttered by our tongue reflects the transformation worked by the Holy Spirit. Thus, the believer's tongue becomes an instrument for the glory of God and for the advancement of His Kingdom, in fulfillment of the prophecy that "every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:11).