King James Version

What Does Acts 2:13 Mean?

Acts 2:13 in the King James Version says “Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.”

Acts 2:13 · KJV

Context

11

Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

13

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

14

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

15

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mockers' accusation of drunkenness ('full of new wine') reveals the natural mind's inability to comprehend spiritual realities (1 Corinthians 2:14). Their explanation reduced supernatural phenomena to carnal causes, a pattern repeated throughout church history when unregenerate reason confronts divine intervention. Paul would later connect being 'filled with the Spirit' versus 'drunk with wine' (Ephesians 5:18), showing these represent opposing kingdoms.

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Historical & Cultural Context

'New wine' (Greek 'gleukos') referred to sweet, partially fermented wine still fermenting - hence more intoxicating. The charge was both insulting and absurd, as verse 15 notes it was only 9 AM ('the third hour'). This mockery paralleled accusations against Jesus of being a 'winebibber' (Matthew 11:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you guard against dismissing genuine spiritual phenomena with naturalistic explanations?
  2. When has religious enthusiasm been mistaken for spiritual power in your experience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
ἕτεροι1 of 8

“Others”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

δὲ2 of 8
G1161

but, and, etc

χλευάζοντες3 of 8

“mocking”

G5512

to throw out the lip, i.e., jeer at

ἔλεγον4 of 8

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι5 of 8
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Γλεύκους6 of 8

“of new wine”

G1098

sweet wine, i.e., (properly) must (fresh juice), but used of the more saccharine (and therefore highly inebriating) fermented wine

μεμεστωμένοι7 of 8

“full”

G3325

to replenish, i.e., (by implication) to intoxicate

εἰσίν8 of 8

“These men are”

G1526

they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14:23Acts 2:151 Samuel 1:14Isaiah 25:6Zechariah 10:7Job 32:19

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