Why Do Manifestation Gifts Exist Today Part 18. The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues!

Why Spiritual Gifts Exist Today (18) by Rev. Dr. Jim Master

In this message, Rev. Dr. Jim Master continues the series Why Spiritual Gifts Exist Today? with a focused teaching on the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues.

Building on the previous teaching about the gift of tongues, this message explores what the Bible means by interpretation, why interpretation is different from translation, and how this supernatural gift operates within the body of Christ. The message begins by placing interpretation of tongues within the broader framework of the nine manifestation gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12:8–10—including the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues.

A key emphasis of this teaching is the meaning of the Greek word hermēneia, which refers to interpretation or explanation. Rev. Dr. Jim Master explains that interpretation does not necessarily mean translating every word from one language into another. Rather, the gift involves the supernatural revealing of the general meaning, essence, or main point of an utterance spoken in tongues.

The message also examines biblical examples and principles surrounding tongues and interpretation, including 1 Corinthians 14, where Paul encourages those who speak in tongues to pray that they may also interpret. The distinction between the supernatural language of tongues and the interpretation of its message is explored, along with the importance of edification and understanding within the gathered church.

Rev. Dr. Jim Master presents three principles concerning the gift of interpretation:

1. Hermēneia can mean interpretation or explanation.

2. The interpretation is generally directed toward the person or people to whom the prayer or message relates.

3. The interpretation communicates the gist—the essence, main point, or general meaning—of what was spoken in tongues.

The teaching also considers how the gift of interpretation operates in a way that is comparable to other revelation gifts, such as the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and prophecy. Through the example of Jesus and the woman at the well in John 4, the message illustrates how God can reveal knowledge beyond what could naturally be known.

The sermon further explores the importance of becoming sensitive to the voice of God. Using the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3, Rev. Dr. Jim Master encourages believers to spend time with God and develop a greater awareness of His voice and leading.

Ultimately, this message asks two important questions: What is the purpose of tongues? And what is the purpose of the interpretation of tongues? Through Scripture and teaching, listeners are encouraged to understand the distinction between the two gifts, recognize their purpose, and consider how spiritual gifts can contribute to prayer, revelation, communication, and the edification of the Church.