King James Version

What Does Acts 2:14 Mean?

Acts 2:14 in the King James Version says “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell... — study this verse from Acts chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Acts 2:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter's authoritative address marks his transformation from denier to bold proclaimer. Standing 'with the eleven' emphasizes apostolic unity and shared authority. His appeal to 'all ye that dwell at Jerusalem' shows the gospel's immediate Jewish focus before expanding to Gentiles, following Jesus' pattern (Acts 1:8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter addresses the confused crowd at 9 AM (the third hour, v. 15) in Jerusalem's temple precincts. As leader of the apostolic band, Peter naturally speaks first, fulfilling Jesus' commission to strengthen the brothers (Luke 22:32).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God transform failures into bold witnesses for the gospel?
  2. What role does courage play in effective Christian testimony today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
Σταθεὶς1 of 29

standing up

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 29

But

G1161

but, and, etc

Πέτρος3 of 29

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

σὺν4 of 29

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τοῖς5 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἕνδεκα6 of 29

the eleven

G1733

one and ten, i.e., eleven

ἐπῆρεν7 of 29

lifted up

G1869

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

τὴν8 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φωνὴν9 of 29

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

αὐτοῖς10 of 29

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ11 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπεφθέγξατο12 of 29

said

G669

to enunciate plainly, i.e., declare

αὐτοῖς13 of 29

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἄνδρες14 of 29

Ye men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

Ἰουδαῖοι15 of 29

of Judaea

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

καὶ16 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ17 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατοικοῦντες18 of 29

ye that dwell

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

Ἰερουσαλὴμ19 of 29

at Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

ἅπαντες,20 of 29

all

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

τοῦτο21 of 29

this

G5124

that thing

ὑμῖν22 of 29

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

γνωστὸν23 of 29

known

G1110

well-known

ἔστω24 of 29

be

G2077

be thou; also ??????? <pronunciation strongs="es'-to-san"/>, third person of the same; let them be

καὶ25 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐνωτίσασθε26 of 29

hearken

G1801

to take in one's ear, i.e., to listen

τὰ27 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ῥήματά28 of 29

words

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

μου29 of 29

to my

G3450

of me


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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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