Quote:
Originally Posted by berkeley
One who has the gift of interpreting tongues, can they interpret all tongues?
Only the “gift” of tongues?
Can they interpret when someone prays in tongues?
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I can't speak about anyone else's experience, but when I've interpreted tongues it is an "interpretation" not a "translation". The a five second utterance might have a minute and a half of interpretation. Or, a minute and a half series of utterances might have only a 15 second interpretation. I have the general "sense" of the meaning impressed upon me, and I have to just allow myself to freely put it into words as the Spirit flows. Soon, it's like the Holy Spirit just takes over and I just hear in my head what I am impressed to say. It's like hearing myself before I speak. There have been times when one has spoken an utterance, and I have had no interpretive impression. Sometimes another gets it, sometimes no one has an interpretation. Not every utterance is interpreted.
When praying in tongues, I have experienced interpreting my own tongues and conversation with God (I've posted on this a long time ago). When praying with others, or in a group, I have felt the general impression of what happening with one praying in tongues, but not the exact meaning. For example, I've felt when one praying in tongues was pleading with God, grieving about something, worshipping and praising God, or praying imprecative prayer against the enemy. But the exact "meaning" is hidden. One thing that I truly love, it gives me chills when I look back on it... there are times when someone is praying in tongues and you can "hear" or "sense" that it is their spirit praying. And then, there is a tone change, or some small nuance change in the pattern, a shift... and it shifts back and forth... and you realize that now God is speaking through them to their inner man, and their inner man is responding. If you just listen with your spiritual ears (so to speak) you'll hear an entire conversation unfolding between that precious saint of God and the Holy Spirit of God, yet you don't know the exact meaning of what's being said. It's a very beautiful thing to hear. Even more precious to experience.
Tongues are a beautiful thing. Don't neglect them, but seek interpretation and the more profitable gifts.
This is sacred ground. Tread softly. And just allow the love of God to envelope you as you pray and listen in the Spirit.