Notice that I use the word interpret, not translate, with this kind of tongue. Heavenly tongues (which account for three of the four types of New Testament tongues) cannot be translated, for they transcend our human understanding—but they can be interpreted.

Any expression of tongues that falls under tongues for interpretation should always come with an interpretation. Without this interpretation the Church cannot be edified, and this tongue is exclusively given for the Church’s edification (see 1 Corinthians 14).

This is the type of tongue Paul was referring to when he asked, “Do all speak in tongues?” Now let’s look at this verse in context:

God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:28-30)

Paul is speaking of the public gifts which God has ordained for ministry in the Church. Are all apostles? No. Are all prophets? No. Are all teachers? No. Likewise, do all speak in or interpret tongues as a public ministry? No. Paul’s point is that we should all flourish in the specific gifts that God has placed on our lives. Not everyone in the Church will operate in tongues as a public ministry.

The Difference Between the Two Public Tongues

Later in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul explains the difference between the two types of public tongues:

Therefore tongues [tongues for a sign] are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers…. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues [tongues for interpretation], and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? (1 Corinthians 14:22-23)

If you do not understand that there are different types of tongues, you might think that Paul completely contradicted himself when he wrote this. First he said, “Tongues are a sign for the unbeliever.” Then, in the very next verse, we read, “If you speak with tongues, unbelievers will think you are out of your mind.” However, with a better understanding of the four distinct tongues, we can see that Paul is writing about two different types of tongues.

The first type of tongue Paul mentions (tongues for a sign) is the type that draws unbelievers because it serves as a sign to them. The second type of tongue (tongues for interpretation) is only meant for the Church’s edification; these tongues are not signs to the unbeliever. In fact, Paul states that without interpretation, the act of believers speaking in the second kind of tongues would actually cause unbelievers to think we are crazy!