Do not forbid speaking in tongues

1 Corinthians 14:39, "So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues."

Word-by-Word Exegesis

“Do not” (μὴ)

Greek: mē (μή)

This is the negative imperative particle, used to prohibit an action.

The nuance here is “do not continue to” or “make sure you never” forbid.

Paul is not just advising but giving an apostolic command.

“Forbid” (κωλύετε)

Greek: kōluete (κωλύετε) – from kōluō (to hinder, prevent, restrain).

Verb is present active imperative – “keep on forbidding” is the sense.

Paul tells them explicitly: don’t engage in the practice of shutting down tongues.

This implies some in Corinth might have been tempted to over-correct abuses of tongues by banning them outright.

“To speak” (λαλεῖν)

Greek: lalein (λαλεῖν) – “to speak, talk, utter sounds.”

In Pauline usage, lalein often carries the sense of making vocal expression, not necessarily structured discourse.

In the context of tongues, it refers to the audible act of speaking in a language given by the Spirit.

Important: it’s not “to babble” but “to express vocally.”

“In tongues” (γλώσσαις)

Greek: glōssais (γλώσσαις) – plural dative of glōssa (“tongue, language”).

Can mean:

The physical organ (tongue).

A known or unknown language.

In 1 Corinthians, the plural form strongly points to languages (real or Spirit-given speech forms).

By Paul’s consistent usage, “tongues” refers to Spirit-inspired utterances, distinct from ordinary human languages but still communicative when interpreted (see 1 Cor 14:2, 13, 27).

Theological & Contextual Implications

Balance with Prophecy:

The verse is part of Paul’s conclusion in 1 Cor 14, where he elevates prophecy for edification of the church.

Yet, he insists tongues should not be forbidden; they have a legitimate place, especially with interpretation.

Correcting Abuse vs. Suppression:

In Corinth, tongues were overused in chaotic worship gatherings.

Paul regulates (14:27–28: only a few, in turn, with interpretation), but never abolishes.

Modern Implication:

The verse undercuts both extremes:

Abuse (chaotic, unedifying tongue-speaking).

Rejection (forbidding altogether).

Paul sets a balanced theology of charismata (spiritual gifts).

“Do not” → Absolute prohibition against prohibition itself.

“Forbid” → Blocking, preventing, restricting.

“To speak” → Vocal utterance, Spirit-led speaking.

“In tongues” → Spirit-inspired languages, plural, part of the gifts of the Spirit.

The statement "do not forbid to speak in tongue" is a direct reference to a command from the New Testament. The apostle Paul gave this instruction to the church in Corinth, and the full context of his teaching provides important details for understanding its meaning. 

Context for speaking in tongues

To understand Paul's command, it is crucial to consider the broader context of 1 Corinthians 14, where he outlines rules for using spiritual gifts during church gatherings. 

The proper use of spiritual gifts

The purpose of spiritual gifts is to edify, or build up, the church. Paul makes a clear distinction between the gift of prophecy and the gift of speaking in tongues. 

Prophecy: This is preferred for public worship because it is a message spoken in a language everyone understands. It directly strengthens, encourages, and comforts the entire congregation.

Tongues: Speaking in tongues is a form of prayer spoken to God in a language unknown to the speaker. While it edifies the individual, it does not build up the wider church congregation unless it is interpreted. 

The importance of interpretation

Because of the need for mutual edification in a church setting, Paul gave strict guidelines for how the gift of tongues should be used in public. 

No more than two or three people should speak in tongues during a service, and they must speak one at a time.

An interpreter must be present to translate the message so that the whole church can be edified.

If no one is available to interpret, the person speaking in tongues should remain silent in the public meeting and speak only to themselves and to God. 

Paul's overarching message

Paul's instruction "do not forbid to speak in tongues" is not an unconditional command to permit it at any time or in any manner. His teaching is a balancing act between appreciating the legitimate spiritual gift and preventing its misuse and abuse. 

His full message can be summarized as:

Prioritize intelligibility: Value prophecy over uninterpreted tongues in corporate worship because it builds up the entire body of believers.

Maintain order: The use of all spiritual gifts should be orderly and decent to avoid chaos and confusion in the church.

Do not quench the Spirit: Do not forbid or prohibit the gift of tongues entirely, as it is a valid work of the Holy Spirit. Instead, use it according to the guidelines he provided. 

1 Corinthians 14:2 "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit."