The phrase “tongues of men” appears in 1 Corinthians 13:1, where Paul writes, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” Paul is using an exaggerated comparison contrast to make a point. Even if he possessed the highest possible expression of the gift of tongues—whether speaking every human language flawlessly or even communicating in the lofty, hypothetical language of heavenly beings—it would all amount to empty noise without the foundation of love. His purpose is not to define two categories of tongues, but to show that love surpasses even the most impressive spiritual abilities.

This fits Paul’s broader message in 1 Corinthians 12–14. The gift of tongues was real, but it was also one of the lesser gifts, and it needed to be kept in perspective. The Corinthians were elevating outward displays of spirituality, while Paul was urging them toward “a more excellent way”—the development of Christlike love.

When the New Testament speaks of the “tongues of men” as a spiritual gift, it refers to a very practical and purposeful ability. God granted certain disciples the miraculous capacity to speak real, understandable human languages they had never learned. This gift enabled them to communicate the gospel instantly and effectively to people from many nations. At Pentecost, the crowd was astonished because they heard the disciples speaking in their own native languages, not in indecipherable sounds. The purpose of the gift was to be able to quickly spread the gospel message to unbelievers. 

This New Testament phenomenon has deep roots in the Old Testament. Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11 to explain the purpose of tongues: “By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people…” In Israel’s history, hearing foreign languages in their land was often a sign of judgment, a consequence of their disobedience that resulted in foreign domination or captivity. At Pentecost, that pattern was dramatically reversed. Instead of signaling disfavor, the sudden ability to overcome language barriers became a sign of God’s favor, marking the beginning of reconciliation and the worldwide spread of the gospel.

The miraculous gift of speaking in the “tongues of men” was also temporary. It served a crucial role during the early church’s infancy, when the gospel needed to spread quickly and the New Testament had not yet been written. Once the Scriptures were complete—the “perfect” or fully revealed Word of God—the need for such confirming signs diminished. As Paul foretold, these gifts would “cease” and “fade away” once their purpose had been fulfilled.

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1434: “Are Christians Today Really Capable of Healing People or Speaking in Tongues? (Part I)”
Tracing the biblical foundations and meaning of healing and tongues
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