I just came across the term Greek For All Tongues and I am trying to research more on it. But here is what the preliminary study tells me.

There is an expression in English called “speaking in tongues”. Does that have anything to do with this term that we want to know. Does this expression mean something negative or does it mean someone is a responsible considerate Christian?

The ancient Greek word used in New Testament to phrase this expression is “speaking in tongues” and it means “GLOSSA”.

This word has been popular in literature even during the time of Socrates and Homer. But there are two meanings to it, and these are:

1. THE TONGUE – which implies the organ of a human body used to make speech.
2. A TONGUE, i.e. the language used by a particular people that is different from that of other nations.

The interesting thing from historical and religious point of view is that in the christian Bible this word is used with both the meanings. The word “glossa” is used about 50 times in the N.T., and in most cases, if not all, it refers to THE LITERAL TONGUE.

Below are some examples I have been able to cull:

” And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and TOUCHED HIS TONGUE;” (Mark 7:33)

“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and COOL MY TONGUE; for I am tormented in this flame. ” (Luke 16:24)

Let me know what are your thoughts on this. If you have something insightful to add, use the form below for the shout out.

Greek For All Tongues