King James Version

What Does Acts 2:6 Mean?

Acts 2:6 in the King James Version says “Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them spe... — study this verse from Acts chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. was: Gr. voice was made confounded: or, troubled in mind

Acts 2:6 · KJV


Context

4

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

6

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. was: Gr. voice was made confounded: or, troubled in mind

7

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another , Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

8

And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The multilingual miracle at Pentecost reverses Babel's curse (Genesis 11), signifying the gospel's universal scope. Each person hearing in their native tongue demonstrates the Spirit's power to overcome barriers and make salvation accessible to all nations. This supernatural sign validates the apostles' message.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem during Pentecost hosted Jews from throughout the Roman Empire and beyond—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, representing perhaps 15+ language groups. This Jewish festival (50 days after Passover) provided ideal circumstances for the gospel's multinational launch.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Pentecost's multilingual miracle inform the church's cross-cultural mission today?
  2. In what ways does the Spirit enable communication of the gospel across cultural barriers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
γενομένης1 of 19

was

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ2 of 19

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

τῆς3 of 19
G3588

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

φωνῆς4 of 19

noised abroad

G5456

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

ταύτης5 of 19
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

συνῆλθεν6 of 19

came together

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

τὸ7 of 19
G3588

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

πλῆθος8 of 19

the multitude

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

καὶ9 of 19

and

G2532

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

συνεχύθη10 of 19

were confounded

G4797

to commingle promiscuously, i.e., (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind)

ὅτι11 of 19

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤκουον12 of 19

heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

εἷς13 of 19

man

G1520

one

ἕκαστος14 of 19

that every

G1538

each or every

τῇ15 of 19
G3588

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

ἰδίᾳ16 of 19

in his own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

διαλέκτῳ17 of 19

language

G1258

a (mode of) discourse, i.e., "dialect"

λαλούντων18 of 19

speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αὐτῶν19 of 19

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


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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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