Acts 2:7 kjv

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

Acts 2:7 nkjv

Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?

Acts 2:7 niv

Utterly amazed, they asked: "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans?

Acts 2:7 esv

And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

Acts 2:7 nlt

They were completely amazed. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee,

Acts 2 verses

Acts 2 7 Meaning

Acts 2:7 describes the bewildered reaction of the crowd witnessing the apostles speaking in diverse foreign languages. Their amazement stemmed from recognizing the speakers as common Galileans, traditionally regarded as unlearned or provincial, thus highlighting the miraculous nature of the event which defied their societal expectations about who could manifest such a gift. It sets the stage for the crucial question of origin and explanation, leading to Peter's subsequent sermon.

Acts 2 7 Context

Acts chapter 2 describes the day of Pentecost, a significant Jewish feast occurring fifty days after Passover. Jerusalem was bustling with devout Jews and proselytes from various nations. The verse directly follows the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in foreign languages they had not learned. The crowd, comprised of diverse linguistic backgrounds (as detailed in Acts 2:9-11), gathers after hearing a mighty rushing sound and witnesses this phenomenon. Acts 2:7 captures their initial reaction of utter astonishment and disbelief that such an extraordinary display of languages could emanate from ordinary Galileans, a people group often looked down upon by Judean religious authorities. This sets the stage for Peter's explanation, showing how God works contrary to human expectation.

Acts 2 7 Word analysis

• And they were amazed (καὶ ἐξίσταντο - kai existanto): `καὶ` (kai): "and," simply connects to the previous event, the sound and their gathering. `ἐξίσταντο` (existanto): Imperfect tense of `ἐξίστημι` (existemi), meaning "to stand out of oneself," "to be beside oneself," or "to be out of one's mind." It conveys extreme astonishment, bewilderment, and mental disorientation. It's a stronger term than simply "wondered" or "marveled," implying a state of utter shock and loss of composure, an overwhelming reaction to something totally unexpected. This is a common response to God's miraculous works in the Bible.
• and marveled (καὶ ἐθαύμαζον - kai ethaumazon): `ἐθαύμαζον` (ethaumazon): Imperfect tense of `θαυμάζω` (thaumazo), meaning "to wonder," "to admire," or "to be surprised at." While `existanto` suggests shock and disorientation, `ethaumazon` conveys profound wonder, admiration, or a deep sense of surprise and awe at the unprecedented event. The pairing of these two verbs (`existanto` and `ethaumazon`) intensifies the reaction, showing a complete overwhelming of the senses and understanding.
• saying (λέγοντες - legontes): `λέγοντες` (legontes): Present participle, indicating their continued, immediate verbal expression of their shock. This was not a silent reaction but a vocal outpouring of their shared disbelief.
• Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? (οὐχ ἰδοὺ πάντες οὗτοι οἱ λαλοῦντες Γαλιλαῖοι εἰσιν;): `οὐχ ἰδοὺ` (ouch idou): "Are not, behold!" `οὐχ` (ouch) expects a positive answer (rhetorical question, "Is it not true...?"), and `ἰδοὺ` (idou) "behold!" or "look!" draws attention to the obvious fact they are questioning. It expresses surprise mixed with certainty. `πάντες` (pantes): "all," emphasizing that every single speaker demonstrated this extraordinary ability, not just one or two. This universality among the disciples compounded the mystery. `οὗτοι οἱ λαλοῦντες` (houtoi hoi lalountes): "these who are speaking." `οὗτοι` (houtoi) "these" refers specifically to the visible group of disciples. `οἱ λαλοῦντες` (hoi lalountes) "the ones speaking" is a present active participle, denoting their continuous, active participation in the act of speaking. `Γαλιλαῖοι` (Galilaioi): "Galileans." This is the core of their astonishment. Galilee was a region in northern Israel, geographically and culturally distinct from Judea and Jerusalem. Galileans were often perceived as less educated, provincial, or even uncultured by those in Jerusalem. Their dialect was distinctive (as seen with Peter in the Gospels). The idea that "simple" Galileans could spontaneously speak numerous sophisticated foreign languages was utterly paradoxical to the crowd, highlighting that the power was divine, not natural. `εἰσιν;` (eisin?): "they are?" the verb of being, concluding the rhetorical question.
• Word Group Analysis: "And they were amazed and marveled": This double verb phrase emphasizes the profound shock and wonder of the crowd. It wasn't mere curiosity but an overwhelming, nearly disorienting astonishment that marked their initial reaction. This deep reaction prepares for Peter's significant explanation. "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?": This rhetorical question reveals the root of their bewilderment: the perceived humble origins and lack of worldly sophistication of the speakers. It expresses a shared, common knowledge and disbelief. The focus is on the identity of the speakers in contrast to the miracle* being performed. This perception of Galileans underlines the principle of God often choosing the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His great purposes, defying human wisdom and expectations. The universality implied by "all these" makes the miracle even more profound and undeniable.

Acts 2 7 Bonus section

• The surprise of the crowd underscores the prevailing negative stereotypes associated with Galileans at the time. Their rough accent and presumed lack of higher religious education made their spontaneous command of various complex languages an absolute marvel and challenge to common belief.
• The imperfect tense of "were amazed" and "marveled" signifies an ongoing state of astonishment as the crowd absorbed the astounding phenomenon, implying a continued process of realization and wonder.
• This verse indirectly sets a precedent for how divine manifestations might sometimes challenge established societal norms or expectations about who God chooses to use, emphasizing divine power over human qualification.

Acts 2 7 Commentary

Acts 2:7 powerfully conveys the immediate impact of the Spirit's outpouring. The astonishment of the crowd underscores the supernatural nature of the tongues. It wasn't a trick, nor was it learned ability; the listeners recognized the speakers' provincial background. This detail highlights God's choice to use seemingly unqualified vessels to display His glory, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The very commonness of the Galileans made the miracle undeniable evidence of divine intervention, removing any possibility that human training or prestige was the source. This pivotal observation of the crowd leads directly to the question in Acts 2:8, paving the way for Peter's explanation of this sign as the fulfillment of prophecy, thereby validating the gospel message through irrefutable divine power working through ordinary men.