speaking with tongues

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The Greek that is often translated as “speaking with tongues” in English is translated these ways:

  • Uma: “speak with languages from the Holy Spirit” (source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “speak languages that are not understood by the people” (source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “speak in languages which [the speakers] do not know” (source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “speak different languages that [the speakers] haven’t studied” (source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Teutila Cuicatec: “speaking other different languages”
  • Lalana Chinantec: “speaking in other people’s Chinantec”
  • Eastern Highland Otomi: “speaking strange languages” (source for his and two above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
  • Indonesian Alkitab Terjemahan Lama version (publ. 1958): “speak the language of the spirit” (bahasa roh) — “which leaves a strong impression that this is a mystical experience.” (Source: Ekaputra Tupamahu in: Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2018, 41/2, p. 223ff.)

In most Protestant Mandarin Chinese translations, the term fāngyán (方言) or “dialect / regional language” is used. The widely-used Catholic Sigao translation uses yǔyán 语言 (語言) or “language” instead. (See also W. Chong in Religions 2024, 15, p. 288ff. )

In the German New Testament translation by Berger / Nord (publ. 1999) it is translated as in den Sprachen der Engel reden or “speaking in the language of angels.” The translators explain (p. 104): “According to Jewish understanding, angels primarily spoke Hebrew. The ‘languages’ of angels are specific texts (such as songs). This is not related to a formal knowledge of language.” Note that in the latter part of 1 Corinthians 14 (from verse 26 on) and in Acts 2:4, Berger / Nord use “foreign language” instead.

In the German translation by Fridolin Stier (1989) it is translated as “speaking with ecstatic tongues” (mit verzückten Zungen reden).

complete verse (1 Corinthians 14:27)

Following are a number of back-translations of 1 Corinthians 14:27:

  • Uma: “If there are any who speak with languages from the Holy Spirit, it should just be two, not more than three. And they are not to speak all at once, they must take-turns. And there must be one/some to translate [move] what the speakers say.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “If there is someone there who wants to speak in languages not understood by the people, it is only possible that up to two or three speak taking turns. And there should be (someone) to explain what they have said.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “If there is someone that speaks in a language that they do not understand, then only two should speak, or if not, then three. They should not talk at the same time and there should be someone there who knows how to interpret.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “If someone speaks in a different language, it is necessary that not more than two or three speak and they must do-it-one-at-a-time. There must also be someone who interprets what they say.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Now, supposing there is someone who speaks in a different language that he hasn’t studied, two or three are enough, they should take turns, and it’s necessary that there be an explanation of what they are saying.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “If someone should talk with words which are not understood, then it is wanted that two or three people only should so speak. But one by one they should speak, Also it is necessary that there be someone who will tell the people the meaning of the words which are spoken.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:27

After the introductory summary of verse 26, verses 27-28 are balanced by verses 29-30, and each pair of verses includes a contrast. Paul discusses speaking in tongues in verse 28, and not speaking in tongues in verse 29. In verse 29 he talks about prophesying, and in verse 30 his theme is not prophesying.

This verse is conditional. The content suggests that it describes a situation that had often arisen in Corinth. Paul is concerned with real circumstances, not with what might happen.

Speak (Good News Bible‘s “going to speak”): the verb in Greek is present, not future, though naturally Paul’s instructions could not be put into effect until his readers received them.

Two or at most three: the Greek implies that Paul means “on each occasion.” Verse 31 shows that Paul is not suggesting a limitation in the number of Christian prophets in the community.

Each in turn is literally “one,” implying here “one at a time.”

Let one may be rendered “someone else must” (Good News Bible) or “let another person.”

Translators may add the words “what is being said” (Good News Bible) after interpret.

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .