Acts 2:6 kjv

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Acts 2:6 nkjv

And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

Acts 2:6 niv

When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

Acts 2:6 esv

And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

Acts 2:6 nlt

When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

Acts 2 verses

Acts 2 6 Meaning

The miraculous "sound" of the Holy Spirit's arrival in power attracted a large, international Jewish crowd. This gathering was filled with utter confusion and perplexity, for each individual among them, remarkably, heard the Galilean disciples speaking fluently in their specific native languages. The subject of their speech was the "mighty works of God" (Acts 2:11).

Acts 2 6 Context

Acts 2:6 is central to the Pentecost event, which immediately follows Jesus' ascension and the apostles' waiting in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, 8). It unfolds on the Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), fifty days after Passover, when Jerusalem was swelled with devout Jewish pilgrims from every part of the known world, as indicated in Acts 2:5. This multitude represented the diaspora, carrying with them diverse languages from their respective homelands. The verse describes their initial, astonished reaction to the Spirit's visible and audible manifestation, marking the birth of the global Church through miraculous communication of God's saving message.

Acts 2 6 Word analysis

• "And": A connective indicating continuation from the preceding events, specifically the miraculous "sound" described in Acts 2:2-3.
• "when this sound occurred": From Greek genomenēs tēs phōnēs tautēs. "Sound" (phōnē) here likely refers primarily to the "rushing mighty wind" (Acts 2:2), a tangible sign of God's presence, which was the initial auditory sensation that drew the crowd's attention. However, it also encapsulates the collective sounds of many people speaking in various tongues. This occurrence was divinely initiated, not coincidental.
• "the multitude": Greek to plēthos. Refers to the vast number of Jewish pilgrims (Acts 2:5) from various nations gathered for the feast. They represent a global microcosm, demonstrating God's immediate reach to all peoples.
• "came together": Greek synēlthe. Implies they converged or assembled. They were drawn by curiosity and wonder towards the source of the remarkable sounds.
• "and were bewildered": Greek synechythē, from sugcheō. A strong term meaning to confuse, confound, disturb, or throw into commotion. This isn't just mild surprise but a deep sense of perplexity and disarray because what they witnessed defied natural explanation and was profoundly disorienting.
• "because everyone heard them speaking": Greek hoti ēkouon heis hekastos autōn lalountōn. This clarifies the specific cause of their bewilderment. The miracle was individual and precise: "everyone" (heis hekastos) experienced it personally, hearing the message in their own specific way. "Them" refers to the Spirit-filled disciples (Acts 2:4).
• "in his own language": Greek tē idia dialektō. Dialektos refers to a distinct dialect or native language of a specific region or group. This emphasizes the accuracy and specific nature of the miracle; the message was supernaturally communicated in the diverse mother tongues of the listeners, ensuring immediate comprehension. This points to the precision of divine intervention.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together": This phrase emphasizes the cause-and-effect. A divine event (the "sound") served as a supernatural magnet, gathering a diverse international crowd who were otherwise unaware of what was happening. It highlights the divine orchestration of the assembly.
• "and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language": This part of the verse articulates the paradox of the Pentecost miracle: confusion giving way to understanding. The "bewilderment" stems from the inexplicable phenomenon, which then resolves into clear comprehension for each person, specifically tailored to their linguistic background. This supernatural reversal of linguistic barriers underscores the unique nature of God's outreach to humanity.

Acts 2 6 Bonus section

• The event described in Acts 2:6 is a specific manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power distinct from the "gift of tongues" discussed in 1 Corinthians 12-14. In Acts, the speaking is intelligibly understood by diverse native speakers who hear in their own dialektos (languages/dialects). In 1 Corinthians, tongues are often uninterpreted glossolalia and require interpretation to edify the church, typically for believers. Acts 2 emphasizes immediate, universal understanding for evangelistic proclamation to unbelievers and new converts.
• This event provided undeniable external validation of the Holy Spirit's descent and the beginning of the new covenant era, powerfully signifying God's redemptive plan for all nations (Jews first, then Gentiles).

Acts 2 6 Commentary

Acts 2:6 vividly portrays the initial human response to the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The "sound," whether solely the mighty wind or including the accompanying linguistic expressions, served as the irresistible beacon, drawing together the global Jewish diaspora gathered in Jerusalem for the festival. The crowd's reaction, "bewildered," indicates the profound disruption of their natural understanding by an unmistakably supernatural event. This perplexity rapidly transforms into awe as they grasp the precise nature of the miracle: each person hears the message in their own native "language" (dialektos). This miracle bypassed the normal human process of language acquisition and translation, allowing immediate, unfiltered access to God's "mighty works" (Acts 2:11). It serves as a powerful demonstration of the Spirit's immediate empowerment for global proclamation, often seen as a divine reversal of the linguistic fragmentation at the Tower of Babel (Gen 11), thereby uniting people under the banner of Christ through the understanding of God's unified message. This foundational event establishes a pattern for the church's mission: overcoming barriers to make the Gospel universally accessible.