Pentecostals: What's the point of speaking in tongues?

Question

I was at a Pentecostal church tonight and one of the men spoke in tongues while we were praying/singing. No one had any idea what he was saying and there was no one to translate, so I don't understand the point. As far as I understand it, tongues is supposed to be revelation/prophesy from God in a Heavenly language and there is supposed to be an interpreter. So, it seems to me that no interpreter = no tongues, but this man did it nonetheless. It doesn't seem to make sense for God to give revelation if no one knows what is revealed. So what's the point?

Just warning you: all mean, rude, or derogatory answers will get thumbs down.

Answer 1

messages from God to be interpreted
praise of God that the holy Spirit Himself utters through us

Praying, as distinct from speaking (message giving) in tongues,does not need interpretation

Answer 2

Dear so-and-so,
you are correct to say that speaking in tongues is supposed to provide a revelation or prophecy from god that is spoken in a "heavenly language." Ususally, God will provide another person in the congregation with the translation, however, this does not always happen. Sometimes, speaking in tongues brings a personal revelation that only that person was meant to hear. Just because you did not know what was being said does not mean that there was no point to it. Many people do not understand this, so I'm glad you asked this question!!! That is all.

Answer 3

There are two uses for tongues. The first is our heavenly prayer language to God. The second is the gift of tongues used in a public setting and should have an interpretation. Not everyone understands this and so this man probably spoke out of turn or else if someone had the interpretation they didn't give it. You can pray or sing in tongues in a public setting as part of your prayer language but then it is not meant to be loud as if you have a word in tongues to be interpreted. A word in tongues with corresponding interpretation is equal to prophecy which will be a word in a known language. It is nothing to be afraid of and is in fact a sign of being filled or baptized in the Holy Spirit. The bible says that speaking in tongues in your prayer language edifies you. You may not feel like it is edifying you but if you have been filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and practice it often you will have more spiritual power and strength to face any situation.

Answer 4

There are varying interpretations even within the same chapter of the Bible... if I may point out Acts 14:2 - For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
Paul's assertion clearly establishes the primary purpose for tongues as the gift of the Spirit for private worship. Paul's endorsedment of prophesy over tongues in corporate gatherings is qualified by his equating the value of tongues with prophesy, if the tongue is accompanied by interpretation. Therefore, tongues without interpretation are for personal edification. This understanding serves to affirm the fact of and distinguish the application of the two distinct ways "tongues" may be manifested - in private or public, in personal devotion or in corporate gatherings. Differences exist in the acceptance of singing in tongues in corporate gatherings of believers. Some adhere to the strict disallowance of group exercise of this gift in concert, while others feel that "order" is not violated if the exercise is explained and nonfanatical expression maintained. ... Just some thoughts on the other point of view...

Answer 5

Speaking in tounges is supposed to be you talking to God in a language that he puts in you. Many times the person who's speaking in tounges cant understand what there actually saying, and most times there is an interpreter to translate what it means. In the Bible its actually mentioned that it's considered rude to speak in tounges if there is not a translation.
Sometimes its more of a personal revelation that the person feels that God has put upon them, and i've been to alot of services where during worship or an alter call people will start speaking in tounges all at once, with no translations. But if this person just randomly stood up in church and started speaking liek this i would be cautious of that. He could possibly just trying to get attention, but judge at your own discreation.

Answer 6

I am a member of an Assembly of God church and my understanding of speaking in tongues is that is supposed to mean that you have accepted the Holy Spirit and that there is supposed to be spoken in the presence of a translater/ interpreter or someone who understands what they are saying. I have heard several people speaking in tongues, at the same time but have never heard anyone interpret.I guess that doesn't necessarily mean there is no one there that understand them but no one has spoke up and said "i understood that" and translated what they said

Answer 7

Many christinas have not been trained. we cannot blame God or the Bible when the church fails. I discuss church failure here:

http://www.kingdom-gospel.com/churchfail.html

But also realize there are 2 kinds of tongues, one is a prayer to God, which doesn't need to be translated, the other is a message for the people which needs to be interpreted.

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Answer 8

I'm not a Pentecostal, but I'll answer your question. In the book of Acts the people preaching the Gospel spoke one language. The hearers spoke a different language. The miracle of tongues is that the people who were listening heard the Gospel in their own language. People have tried to explain to me the nonsense that goes on today, but it doesn't make any sense. God understands English very well. The whole purpose of the miracle of tongues is for people to get saved. It is not for self-edification.

Answer 9

You are correct: the tongues is to prophesy; the spirit giveth utterance, as they say.
It is too bad nobody was there to interpret.
I can interpret tongues...generally, when someone speaks in a tongue, they are saying things along the lines of "how great is my God, most high and holy." They don't say anything unusual like "low fat milk is best."

Answer 10

It's supposed to be based on the Pentacost, an occurance from the old testement I think when all men and women were supposed to be able to understand each other through a miracle from God. My uncle is a Pentacostal preacher but I just think its rubbish, people talking gibberish. But hey people will believe what they want to believe. Some examples...
http://www.archive.org/details/911_44
010725alexjoneswarns911b