Acts 2 19

Acts 2:19 kjv

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Acts 2:19 nkjv

I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

Acts 2:19 niv

I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

Acts 2:19 esv

And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;

Acts 2:19 nlt

And I will cause wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below ?
blood and fire and clouds of smoke.

Acts 2 verses

Acts 2 19 Meaning

Acts 2:19 is part of Peter's Pentecost sermon, quoting the prophet Joel, describing the cataclysmic events that will precede the "great and magnificent day of the Lord." It specifically foretells awe-inspiring manifestations in the celestial and earthly realms, characterized by the appearance of blood, fire, and thick smoke. These phenomena serve as powerful portents, signaling divine intervention and impending judgment, culminating in the decisive culmination of history.

Acts 2 19 Context

Acts 2:19 is a direct quotation by the Apostle Peter from the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:30), delivered on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The chapter details the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit, enabling the disciples to speak in other tongues. When bewildered onlookers questioned this phenomenon, Peter stood up to explain that it was not drunkenness but the fulfillment of prophecy. He then quoted Joel's passage extensively, starting with the Spirit's outpouring in the "last days" (Joel 2:28-29, quoted in Acts 2:17-18) and immediately moving to the cosmic signs in Acts 2:19-20 that would precede the "great and magnificent day of the Lord." This places the verse within a theological framework that connects the inception of the Spirit-filled age (Pentecost) with the eschatological climax of God's redemptive plan and judgment. Historically, this prophecy would have resonated with the Jewish audience's expectation of the Messiah's coming and the establishment of His kingdom, often accompanied by cataclysmic events.

Acts 2 19 Word analysis

• And wonders: (Greek: kai terata)

  • kai: A conjunction meaning "and," connecting this phrase to the preceding promise of the Spirit's outpouring and establishing these signs as a concurrent or subsequent event in the prophetic timeline.
  • terata: Refers to extraordinary occurrences, marvels, or portents that cause astonishment and wonder. They are often perceived as signs of divine intervention or manifestations of divine power. In biblical contexts, terata (wonders) and sēmeia (signs) frequently appear together, with terata highlighting the miraculous, astonishing nature of an event, and sēmeia emphasizing its interpretative meaning.

• in the heavens above: (Greek: en tō ouranō anō)

  • en tō ouranō: "In the heaven" or "in the sky." This refers to the celestial realm, indicating a cosmic scale for these divine displays.
  • anō: "Above," "upward." This reinforces the celestial location of the wonders, emphasizing their divine origin and vast scope, affecting the very fabric of the cosmos.

• and signs: (Greek: kai sēmeia)

  • sēmeia: Tokens, indicators, or marks that point to something significant, often conveying a divine message or purpose. These are not random events but meaningful occurrences intended to communicate God's action or intention. Paired with "wonders," they indicate miraculous events that bear specific theological significance.

• on the earth below: (Greek: epi tēs gēs katō)

  • epi tēs gēs: "On the earth." This signifies the terrestrial realm, indicating that God's power and impending judgment will affect all creation, from the heavens to the earth.
  • katō: "Below," "downward." Reinforces the earthly location, stressing the universal reach of God's judgment and intervention.

• blood: (Greek: haima)

  • Often a symbol of death, violence, or judgment. In the Old Testament, plagues (Exod 7:17-21) and the bloodshed of war or divine retribution (Isa 34:3; Rev 8:7-8) are depicted with this imagery. Here, it signifies the destructive power of God's wrath, indicating life-taking events or transformations that radically alter the natural order.

• and fire: (Greek: kai pyr)

  • Represents God's presence (Exod 19:18), purification, judgment, and destruction. It consumes, cleanses, and demonstrates divine power. It signals intense, devastating divine action against evil and rebellion (Lev 10:2; Deut 4:24; Heb 12:29; Rev 8:7-8).

• and vapor: (Greek: kai atmida)

  • atmida: Specifically refers to exhalation, mist, or dense vapor. Often, it's connected with smoke.
  • In conjunction with fire and smoke, this indicates a widespread, obscuring effect. It suggests the aftermath of destruction or an overwhelming display of divine power, often creating an atmosphere of gloom or confusion (Exod 19:18; Psa 18:8).

• of smoke: (Greek: kapnou)

  • kapnou: The by-product of fire, signifying destruction, warning, or a profound manifestation of God's awesome presence. Mount Sinai, burning with fire, ascended in smoke (Exod 19:18). This imagery speaks to an overwhelming, often suffocating, manifestation of divine judgment (Gen 19:28; Rev 9:2).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below": This phrase emphasizes the cosmic and universal scope of God's intervention. It illustrates that God's authority extends over all creation, and these coming events will impact both the celestial and terrestrial realms, confirming divine control over nature and history. The parallelism highlights the two distinct but related categories of divine revelation: the astonishing (wonders) and the meaningful (signs).
• "Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke": This triadic imagery vividly portrays the nature of the signs as apocalyptic and indicative of judgment. These are elements of destruction, intense heat, and atmospheric obscurity, painting a picture of radical disruption and divine wrath. These signs evoke a sense of dread and awe, signaling a moment of ultimate confrontation between God and humanity preceding His glorious day. The order—blood, fire, smoke—could suggest a sequence or an integrated scene of conflict and its aftermath.

Acts 2 19 Bonus section

• Apocalyptic Literature Connection: This verse heavily draws from the common tropes of Jewish apocalyptic literature, where cosmic disruptions like sun darkening, moon turning to blood, and other celestial and terrestrial disturbances were understood as definitive markers of God's final intervention in history and the culmination of an age. This provided the Jewish audience a familiar framework for understanding these profound divine events.
• Historical Recurrence: While pointing to the ultimate "Day of the Lord," the types of phenomena described (blood, fire, smoke) have occurred in biblical history, often accompanying significant divine interventions or judgments (e.g., the plagues in Egypt, the giving of the Law at Sinai). This establishes a pattern of God manifesting Himself powerfully when He intervenes decisively in human affairs.
• Awe and Terror: The sequence of imagery "blood, fire, and vapor of smoke" is meant to evoke not just awe at God's power, but also terror for those who oppose Him. It highlights the serious nature of the coming judgment, underscoring that the Day of the Lord is both "great and magnificent" for believers and terrifying for the impenitent.

Acts 2 19 Commentary

Acts 2:19 is not merely a descriptive prophecy but a potent warning and an affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty. Peter’s quotation of Joel situates the Pentecost event within a broader eschatological timeline. While the Spirit's outpouring marked the "last days" inauguration, the severe cosmic and earthly disturbances foretold in this verse refer to the intense, dramatic events leading to the "day of the Lord"—a final day of judgment and redemption. The imagery of "wonders" and "signs" underscores that these will not be ordinary phenomena but divine acts of revelation, designed to arrest human attention and proclaim God’s imminent and decisive action. "Blood, fire, and vapor of smoke" are a well-established biblical motif for theophanic manifestations, judgment, and great cataclysms. They indicate a radical breaking into history, where natural order is overthrown, signalling that no one will be able to ignore the terrifying display of God's power as He brings about His ultimate purpose. This prophetic glimpse aims to foster repentance and faith, urging listeners to prepare for that great day.