“To another Divers Kinds of Tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues” is an excerpt from 1 Corinthians chapter 12. The original Greek text did not include the word “divers”. The translators added it. “Kinds of Tongues” is how it read with the distinct connotation of diversity (different nations). Diverse Kinds of Tongues is one of the Spiritual Gifts. It is a ministry gift and is prophecy when coupled with The Interpretation of Tongues.

Tongues the Spiritual Gift (Diverse Kinds of Tongues) is distinguished from Tongues the sign. Tongues the sign is for communing with God and not for presentation in public. Tongues the sign is also for the edifying or building up one’s self spiritually. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself  (1 Corinthians 14:4).  “For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries” (1 Corinthians: 14:2). Speaking in Unknown Tongues is the only manifestation of the Spirit that has the direct aspect of worship; said to be “not unto man, but unto God.”

“To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another Divers Kinds of Tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:” (1 Corinthians 12:28).

The tongues that were spoken at Pentecost were Divers Kinds of Tongues. The Pentecost outpouring of Tongues were dual purposed; they also were the initial indications that the Pentecost believers were filled with the Holy Spirit.

We know, too, that they were referred to as Other Tongues as well. A demonstration of believers speaking a language that they didn’t know that was understood by others that were standing by as occasioned in Acts chapter 2. “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”

Divers Kinds of Tongues is a Supernatural Spiritual Gift manifested by God through a yielded believer. He (God) confirms as much by offering the accompanying gift of The Interpretation of Tongues.

Tongues with interpretation is prophecy and is given for the exhortation, edification and comfort of the Church.