Acts 2:4

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

And {G2532} they were {G4130} all {G537} filled {G4130} with the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, and {G2532} began {G756} to speak with {G2980} other {G2087} tongues {G1100}, as {G2531} the Spirit {G4151} gave {G1325} them {G846} utterance {G669}.

They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and began to talk in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

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

Acts 2:4 vividly describes the foundational event on the Day of Pentecost, where the early followers of Jesus experienced the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit, leading to a supernatural manifestation of speaking in various languages.

Context

This verse is the direct culmination of the events in Acts chapter 2. The disciples, numbering around 120, were gathered together in Jerusalem, patiently awaiting the fulfillment of Jesus' promise concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit. This moment marks the official birth of the Christian church and the inauguration of the new covenant era, fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament, such as those found in Joel 2:28-29. The timing, coinciding with the Jewish harvest festival of Pentecost, was profoundly symbolic for the spiritual harvest that would follow.

Key Themes

  • The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: This verse portrays the initial fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Helper (John 14:26). Being "filled with the Holy Ghost" signifies a divine empowering presence for witness, ministry, and spiritual understanding.
  • Speaking in Tongues (Glossolalia): The immediate and tangible evidence of this filling was the ability to speak with "other tongues" (heterais glossais). This refers to distinct human languages previously unknown to the speakers, not unintelligible sounds, as confirmed by the diverse crowd's reaction in subsequent verses (Acts 2:6).
  • Divine Utterance: The phrase "as the Spirit gave them utterance" underscores that this phenomenon was entirely supernatural and divinely directed. It highlights the Holy Spirit's active control and empowerment, emphasizing that this was not a human ability or learned skill.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "other tongues" is heterais glossais (ἑτέραις γλώσσαις). Heterais implies "different" or "other of a distinct kind," indicating that these were languages fundamentally different from their native Aramaic or Greek. Glossa (γλῶσσα) can refer to the physical tongue or a language. In this context, given the crowd's astonishment at hearing their own native languages spoken (Acts 2:8), it clearly denotes foreign languages. The term "utterance" comes from apophtheggesthai (ἀποφθέγγεσθαι), a strong verb suggesting a solemn, authoritative, or inspired pronouncement, often used for prophetic speech.

Significance and Application

Acts 2:4 is a cornerstone for understanding the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers and the church. It signifies the empowering presence of God for mission and witness, enabling the disciples to transcend linguistic barriers to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While the specific manifestation of speaking in tongues may vary or not be universally experienced by all believers today, the core message remains: God desires to fill His people with His Spirit to equip them for service and to live out their faith powerfully. This divine filling brings boldness, spiritual insight, and enables believers to continue the work begun by Christ on earth, reminding us that the Christian life is lived not in human strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 16:17

    And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

  • Acts 13:52

    And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

  • Acts 4:31

    And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

  • Ephesians 5:18

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

  • 1 Corinthians 14:21

    ¶ In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:23

    If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

  • 1 Corinthians 12:10

    To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

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