“Glossa” in the N.T.
By Timothy Glover
The Greek term “glossa” is translated “tongues.” Sometimes, the translators add “unknown” to it. Other translations include “strange sounds,” “strange tongues,” or “languages.” The New English Bible translation even translates it with “language of ecstasy.” Certainly the work of translation is difficult and is sometimes hindered by theological bias. The best we can do is to allow the context to determine the nearest thought. The word “glossa” is one of the gifts that was received through the Holy Spirit. It is often connected with the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2,10) or the laying on of the apostle’s hands (Acts 19:6).
The contents of the gift involved “speaking.... the mighty words of God” (Acts 2:11), speaking to magnify God (Acts 10:46), to bless or give thanks (1 Cor. 14:16-17). But, when it was not understood by others, it was to them “mysteries” (1 Cor. 14:2) and therefore unprofitable.
The use and purpose of the gift was for edifying. To be able to say “amen” at the giving of thanks, one had to understand what was being said. Pagan visitors would think they were crazy. Therefore, if there was no interpreter, the gift was not to be used. Paul is very specific about the purpose for all gifts when he writes, “When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” This is why Paul ranked prophecy above tongue speaking. When reading 1 Cor. 12-14, it appears that the glossa gift was a showy gift that made some feel spiritually elite. Chapter 12 makes it clear that no member is more important than the other. Everyone is needed in the body and every gift was given by the same Spirit. Then, chapter 13 addresses this gift by saying that it was a worthless noise if it was not motivated by love. Chapter 14 follows by regulating its use to eliminate confusion, disorderliness, and inefficiency. This also suggests that the individual was in control of his gift and could even remain silent(1 Cor. 14:27-28, 32).
As noted last month, the glossa gift is to be understood as languages. It was identified as such when the apostles spoke on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The apostles could have spoken in the universal language of the day. This would have been expected. Yet, when they spoke in the various dialects of the nations present, it received the necessary attention needed to preach to the audience of Jews. Then, a transition occurs with the ending of tongue speaking and the start of Peter’s explanation which was spoken to the entire populace in one language that they all understood alike. There is no reason to change the meaning of glossa anywhere else in the Bible unless the writing redefines it.
The purpose must also be redefined. It is defined in Heb. 2:1-4 as necessary to confirm that the word was spoken by God. It was also designed to edify assuming that it could be understood (1 Cor. 14). Further, tongues were not a sign to the believers but to the unbelievers. First, believers would not need a sign. They are more interested in being edified than amazed. Thus, Paul writes that prophecy is a sign to the believers. Second, since prophecy is more productive (14:24-25), tongues were designed for unbelievers who rejected prophecy. Those who insisted on its use revealed their lack of faith. It was not a sign of their faith as some teach.
In another article, we will trace the history of glossolalia.
