What does it mean to speak with other tongues in Acts 2:4?

In Acts 2:4, the phrase speak with other tongues refers to the miraculous ability given by the Holy Spirit to speak in real, known human languages that the speakers had not previously learned. The verse says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4, NKJV). This event occurred on the Day of Pentecost, a Jewish festival when Jews from many nations had gathered in Jerusalem. The context makes it clear that the “tongues” spoken were not ecstatic or heavenly languages, but actual languages spoken by people from different regions of the world. Acts 2:6–8 explains, “The multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. . . . And they were amazed and astonished, saying, How is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?” (ESV). This supernatural event allowed the apostles to proclaim the gospel to a diverse audience in their native tongues. The result was about 3,000 people coming to faith that day (Acts 2:41).

The Greek word for “tongues” in Acts 2:4 is glōssais, which can refer to either the physical tongue or a language. In this context, it clearly refers to languages, as confirmed by the reaction of the crowd who recognized their own dialects being spoken (Acts 2:11). This was not a private prayer language or unintelligible speech, but a public, intelligible proclamation of “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11, ESV). The purpose of the gift of tongues was evangelistic, not personal edification.

It is important to distinguish between descriptive and prescriptive passages in Scripture. Acts 2 is a descriptive account—it tells us what happened, not necessarily what must always happen. The Bible describes certain occasions when Spirit-filled people spoke in tongues, but the descriptions of what happened should not be confused with commands to make it happen. Nowhere in Scripture are believers commanded to speak in tongues as evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. In fact, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:30, “Do all speak with tongues?”—a rhetorical question implying that not all believers do.

Furthermore, the tongues in Acts 2 served a unique purpose in redemptive history. They were a sign that the gospel was now going out to all nations, fulfilling Jesus’ promise in Acts 1:8 that His followers would be His witnesses “to the end of the earth” (ESV). The miraculous ability to speak in other languages demonstrated that the Holy Spirit was empowering the church to cross cultural and linguistic barriers with the message of Christ.

In summary, speaking with other tongues in Acts 2:4 refers to the Spirit-empowered ability to speak in real, known human languages for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel. It was a unique and powerful sign that marked the birth of the church and the beginning of the global mission of the gospel.