Day 21 – Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues

Scripture

“To another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.” — 1 Corinthians 12:10

Promise

The Holy Spirit gives tongues and interpretation to strengthen personal prayer and build up the church with God’s message.

Quote

“Tongues connect you with heaven; interpretation connects heaven with others.” — Dr. Daniel LeBlanc

Devotion

The final Speaking Gifts of the Spirit are Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues. Together, these gifts demonstrate the Spirit’s ability to bridge heaven and earth, building up both the individual believer and the gathered church.

Different kinds of tongues are Spirit-given languages that a believer has never learned. They may be:

• Personal prayer language — building up the believer’s spirit (1 Cor. 14:4).

• Public tongues — a message for the church, which must be interpreted to edify everyone (1 Cor. 14:27).

• Sign tongues — known languages spoken supernaturally as a witness, like on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:6–8).

Interpretation of tongues is the Spirit-given ability to understand and communicate the meaning of a message given in tongues. This does not mean word-for-word translation but rather Spirit-inspired interpretation so the whole church can be strengthened. Paul urged believers not to forbid tongues but to use them in order and with love (1 Cor. 14:39–40). Tongues remind us that God is bigger than human language, while interpretation ensures His message builds up the body. Both are meant to glorify Jesus and advance His kingdom. When you say, “Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You,” you are inviting Him to pray through you in heavenly language and to use you to edify the church through interpretation. This is not about human ability—it is about yielding your voice so God’s Spirit can speak.

Let’s make some application now. If you already pray in tongues, spend extra time today building up your spirit through your prayer language. If you don’t yet, ask: “Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Fill me and release heavenly language through me.” In a group setting, be open to interpretation—whether giving or receiving—so that the church is encouraged.

Declaration

I am baptized in the Holy Spirit, and I walk in tongues and interpretation. Today I say, “Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Pray through me, speak through me, and let heaven’s voice be heard on earth.”

Prayer

Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Thank You for the gift of tongues that builds me up in faith and the gift of interpretation that builds up the church. Teach me to yield my voice to You in prayer and in public ministry. Use me today to bring encouragement, clarity, and the voice of heaven to those around me. Amen.