The Gift of Interpretation — Not Translation
As we mentioned earlier, the interpretation of tongues is not a translation. I am sometimes
asked why it is that when someone speaks at length in tongues, an interpreter will occasionally
give only a short message.
The reason for that is the interpretation is simply showing forth supernaturally by the Spirit of
God the meaning of what was said in tongues, and it may not take as many words to declare
what was said.
For example, someone may speak a short utterance in tongues and another will speak at
length in interpretation. It may take longer to give the interpretation in order to show the
meaning clearly. Therefore, we can see why this gift is called the interpretation of tongues and
not the translation of tongues.
Also, very often when one is interpreting tongues, if that person is also used in prophecy, he
may finish that interpretation and go into prophecy. I do this quite often.
Most people who are keen in the Spirit can recognize the difference because the minute
prophecy begins, there is a little higher authority that can sometimes come with it. In other
words, the words in prophecy can sometimes take on more authority and have a greater
anointing. There can be more inspiration to it and people are blessed in a greater measure.
Maintaining Good Order In the Public Use of Utterance Gifts
Paul devotes the entire chapter of First Corinthians 14 to the gifts of prophecy, and tongues
and interpretation of tongues. In verse 33, he says, ". . . God is not the author of confusion ..."
(1 Cor. 14:33).
Paul was saying that in the use, or rather the misuse, of prophecy, and tongues and
interpretation of tongues there is sometimes confusion. I have been m some services where I
have seen the misuse of these gifts and it has brought confusion to a congregation. (These
were not my own services, as I usually try to bring out any errors and explain them to the
people so they won't go home confused.)
This doesn't mean that the devil was necessarily working in the service. It just means that
people can get things mixed up. If we will learn to stay in the Spirit and walk according to the
Word, however, we will not operate in these gifts in confusion. God is not the author of
confusion.
In this chapter we see such statements as " . . God is not the author of confusion . . ." (1 Cor.
14:33) and "Let all things be done decently and in order" (v. 40).
We know these verses refer to public services in the church because it said, "If any man speak
in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one
interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to
himself, and to God" (1 Cor. 14:27,28). One wouldn't be disturbing the service by just sitting
there and talking quietly to God in tongues, but he would be edifying himself.
Sometimes we just need practical advice concerning these manifestations to help us maintain
good order. Then even folks who come in to the service who aren't saved or who aren't familiar