This is a gift that complements the gift of tongues. The Holy Spirit enables the person with this gift to interpret tongues into a language known to the congregation and it is an important gift because, as Paul says, that there is no edification if people cannot understand what is spoken. "If in a tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air" (1 Corinthians 14:9).
He advises people to remain silent if there is no interpreter. "If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn; and let one interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let them be silent in church and speak to themselves and to God" (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
Like prophecy, a tongue that is interpreted builds up the church (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:5). We need, therefore, to pray for the gift of interpretation so as not to still the gift of tongues. "Therefore," Paul urges, "one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret" (1 Corinthians 14:13).
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