Acts 2 20

Acts 2:20 kjv

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

Acts 2:20 nkjv

The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.

Acts 2:20 niv

The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

Acts 2:20 esv

the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.

Acts 2:20 nlt

The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and glorious day of the LORD arrives.

Acts 2 verses

Acts 2 20 Meaning

Acts 2:20 prophesies specific celestial disturbances – the sun turning to darkness and the moon to blood – as undeniable signs that will precede the momentous "great and manifest Day of the Lord." Peter, quoting Joel 2:31, uses this verse in his Pentecost sermon to interpret the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and connect it to a significant eschatological era initiated by God. These cosmic events serve as dramatic portents, indicating the imminent and awe-inspiring divine intervention associated with this climactic "Day."

Acts 2 20 Context

Acts chapter 2 recounts the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, marking the birth of the Christian church. Peter, empowered by the Spirit, delivers his first sermon to the astonished crowds, many of whom were mocking the disciples. In response to their confusion and skepticism, Peter declares that the extraordinary phenomena they witness—speaking in tongues and ecstatic worship—are not drunken revelry but the fulfillment of the prophet Joel's ancient prophecy (Joel 2:28-32). Peter cites Joel to legitimize the events, presenting them as the dawn of a new eschatological era—the "Day of the Lord." The verse in question (Acts 2:20) specifically outlines the dramatic cosmic signs that, according to Joel's prophecy, will precede and herald this great divine visitation, setting the stage for his subsequent declaration of salvation in Jesus Christ. Historically, Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival, and Jerusalem was filled with devout Jews from many nations, providing a diverse audience for this foundational message.

Acts 2 20 Word analysis

• The sun: (ho hēlios - ὁ ἥλιος). Refers to the celestial body. In apocalyptic literature, the sun often symbolizes sources of light, order, or authority. Its turning to darkness signifies a complete disruption of natural order and the advent of divine intervention, signaling impending judgment or transformation.
• shall be turned into darkness: (metastraphēsetai eis skotos - μεταστραφήσεται εἰς σκότος). The Greek verb indicates a radical transformation or reversal. Skotos signifies absence of light, spiritual blindness, or evil. Here, it denotes a dramatic, visible cosmic event, a universal sign of God's action. This phrase is direct imagery of doom or drastic change, often linked to judgment or the end of an era.
• and the moon: (kai hē selēnē - καὶ ἡ σελήνη). The second great light, alongside the sun.
• into blood: (eis haima - εἰς αἷμα). Haima (blood) can denote violence, death, sacrifice, or a dreadful, terrifying spectacle. A moon appearing as blood could be a visual effect of atmospheric disturbances or symbolize bloodshed and impending doom, amplifying the ominous nature of the sign. It evokes fear and awe, pointing to extraordinary, divine intervention rather than natural phenomena.
• before: (prin ē - πρὶν ἢ). This preposition signifies prior occurrence or preceding time, clearly stating that these signs must happen prior to the "Day." It establishes a chronological sequence for the events of the "Day of the Lord."
• the great: (megalēn - μεγάλην). Denotes immense significance, importance, or magnitude. This Day is not just any day but one of profound historical and redemptive importance, characterized by immense power and universal scope.
• and manifest/notable/splendid: (kai epiphanē - καὶ ἐπιφανῆ). This term epiphanēs (from epiphaino, to appear or shine upon) carries multiple layers of meaning. While often translated as "dreadful" or "notable" (as in some translations of Joel's Septuagint), its Greek root also points to a "shining forth," a "glorious appearance" or a "revelation." Peter's specific use of this word (differing slightly from the Septuagint version of Joel but present in other prophecies) suggests that this "Day" will not only be "great" and awe-inspiring but also clearly revealed and undeniably visible, potentially referencing the parousia or Christ's glorious return. It emphasizes the conspicuous and undeniable nature of God's presence and activity on this Day, whether in judgment or salvation.
• day of the Lord: (hēmeran Kyriou - ἡμέραν Κυρίου). This is a pivotal theological concept in both Old and New Testaments. It does not necessarily refer to a single 24-hour period, but rather a divinely appointed period or specific time when God acts decisively in judgment, salvation, and the vindication of His justice and sovereignty. For the prophets, it was a day of terror for God's enemies and vindication for His people. Peter broadens its application to include the present outpouring of the Spirit, ushering in the new covenant era which will culminate in Christ's final return and judgment.

Acts 2 20 Bonus section

The concept of the "Day of the Lord" presents an "already but not yet" tension. While the Spirit's outpouring marked its commencement (already), the literal cosmic disturbances and Christ's final advent still await fulfillment (not yet). This dual application suggests the "Day of the Lord" is not a singular event but a prolonged period of divine activity spanning the entirety of the church age, culminating in Christ's Second Coming. Peter's sermon effectively reassures his Jewish audience that the unusual events they are witnessing align with their own prophetic scriptures, simultaneously setting a prophetic precedent for Christ's future return.

Acts 2 20 Commentary

Acts 2:20, drawn directly from Joel 2:31, serves as a crucial component of Peter's sermon, bridging Old Testament prophecy with the unfolding New Testament reality. The vivid cosmic signs of the sun turning to darkness and the moon to blood are highly symbolic, indicating radical divine intervention. These are not merely natural occurrences but divine portents, signaling an epochal shift. Peter argues that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost initiates this "Day of the Lord"—a multifaceted period of God's direct, powerful, and visible action. This "Day" encompasses both the new era of the Spirit and the future, ultimate coming of Christ in glory and judgment. The word epiphanēs emphasizes that this divine activity will be unmistakable and universally manifest. While the immediate Pentecost events did not involve these literal cosmic signs, Peter’s use implies that Pentecost was the beginning of this eschatological timeline, which includes dramatic end-time events. The imagery communicates solemnity, urgency, and the absolute sovereignty of God over creation and history. Practically, this highlights God's ongoing work in the world, the trustworthiness of His Word, and the need for individuals to respond to His call for salvation, which is often found amidst a time of unfolding divine purpose.