“Tone” in physical science is defined as “the quality, character and strength of a particular sound.” In language, “tone” refers to “the use of pitch to convey meaning to distinguish, convey, contrast, or otherwise express the proper use of the words being spoken. All languages use pitch to express emotional and other nonverbal information.”

In fact, “tonal languages,” like Chinese, express meaning more by HOW something is said than in WHAT is said. Or, more precisely, the tone of the speaker determines the meaning of the words. Meanings of words change based on the tones used by the speaker. English is not tonal, so this is a difficult concept for us to grasp.

I know we all recognize that our parents had certain tones toward us as youngsters, tones that we needed to be sensitive to regardless of what they were literally telling us. My dad’s tones told me far more than his words. As a lawyer, I have learned that most Judges have “tones” which tell me far more than their literal words. Lawyers unable to recognize judges’ tones often trip courtroom “land mines.”

What is “Tonal” Bible Reading?

Now, I want to extend “tonal language dynamics” from verbal language to written language (like the Bible),as well as to spiritual language (prophecy, tongues, prayers, declarations). All language has a “tone” which comes from the source or creator of the language. Until we become masters at the Spirit’s “tone-recognition,” we will continue to misinterpret language. Thankfully, we have the ultimate “tuning fork,” the mind of Christ, which lets us resonate the language we hear with the “tonal” Spirit of God.

The concept of “tone” is particularly crucial to understanding Scripture. HOW the Holy Spirit speaks a verse to your heart greatly impacts WHAT that verse actually means. By “tone” here, I mean “the quality, character and strength” of the Holy Spirit’s inner voice within us conveying the true meaning of Scripture.

The literal meaning of Scripture is “toneless” and often misleads us into wrathful interpretations. BUT, as we listen to God’s tone, we become convinced of better things. The Holy Spirit’s pitch-perfect tone sings within us to lead us into vibrant truth.