Though I Speak With Tongues

“Though I Speak with Tongues” is a thoughtful and searching hymn by Fred Pratt Green that paraphrases and applies the great love chapter of Scripture, 1 Corinthians 13. Written in the early 1970s, the hymn reflects Green’s concern that Christian worship and practice remain firmly grounded in biblical priorities. Rather than diminishing spiritual gifts, the hymn carefully places them in their proper context, affirming that love is the essential mark of genuine Christian faith and maturity.

The hymn opens with a direct echo of the apostle Paul’s words, acknowledging impressive spiritual abilities such as eloquent speech, prophetic insight, and strong faith. Yet it immediately confronts the sobering truth that without love, these gifts are empty and ultimately meaningless. This emphasis aligns closely with Paul’s warning that outward displays of spirituality, however striking, cannot substitute for Christlike love rooted in humility and self giving.

A central theme of the hymn is the supremacy of love over all religious activity. Love is portrayed not as sentiment, but as faithful action shaped by patience, kindness, and perseverance. Green’s language underscores that love is the measure by which all Christian speech, service, and sacrifice must be judged. This reflects Jesus’ own teaching that love for God and neighbor fulfills the law and defines true obedience (Matthew 22:37-40).

The hymn also speaks powerfully to the life of the church. It challenges congregations to examine whether their worship, doctrine, and ministry are marked by genuine love or by self interest and pride. By grounding its message in Scripture, the hymn avoids controversy and instead draws believers back to the heart of the gospel, reminding them that love is the enduring evidence of life in Christ (John 13:34-35).

“Though I Speak with Tongues” remains a valuable hymn for teaching, reflection, and self examination. It is especially fitting in contexts where spiritual gifts, service, or ministry are emphasized, calling believers to remember that faith finds its fullest expression not in extraordinary abilities, but in love that reflects the character of Christ.