Acts 2:6

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

Now {G1161} when this {G5026} was {G1096} noised abroad {G5456}, the multitude {G4128} came together {G4905}, and {G2532} were confounded {G4797}, because {G3754} that every {G1538} man {G1520} heard {G191} them {G846} speak {G2980} in his own {G2398} language {G1258}.

When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered; they were confused, because each one heard the believers speaking in his own language.

And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language.

And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of the day of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, filling them and empowering them to speak in other tongues (languages). Jerusalem was bustling with devout Jews and proselytes from various nations, gathered for the Feast of Pentecost, making it a pivotal moment for the early church.

Key Themes

  • Divine Communication: The central miracle here is God enabling His followers to communicate His message across linguistic barriers. This is often seen as a significant reversal of the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel, signifying unity and understanding in the Spirit.
  • Astonishment and Wonder: The immediate reaction of the "multitude" (a diverse crowd of pilgrims, as described in Acts 2:5) is confusion and amazement. They were "confounded" because they heard the Galilean disciples speaking in their own native languages, highlighting the supernatural nature of the event.
  • Universal Witness: This miracle drew an enormous and diverse crowd, setting the stage for Peter's powerful sermon (beginning in Acts 2:14) and the initial widespread sharing of the gospel. It directly fulfilled Jesus' commission to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, starting in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8).

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "noised abroad" translates the Greek ginomai, which means "to come to pass" or "to happen." It suggests that the sound of the rushing mighty wind and the disciples' speaking in tongues quickly became known throughout the city, drawing attention.
  • "Confounded" comes from the Greek sygcheo, meaning "to pour together," "to mix up," or "to throw into confusion." It perfectly captures the sense of utter bewilderment and astonishment felt by the crowd.
  • The emphasis on "every man heard them speak in his own language" (Greek dialektos, from which we get "dialect") is crucial. It underscores that this was not unintelligible ecstatic utterance, but a direct, understandable communication of God's wonderful works in the listeners' native tongues.

Practical Application

This verse powerfully illustrates God's desire for His message to reach all people, overcoming barriers of language and culture. It reminds believers today of the importance of clear, accessible, and understandable communication of the gospel message.

It also highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to equip believers for ministry and witness, enabling them to share Christ's truth effectively even in diverse and challenging circumstances. The astonishment of the multitude serves as a reminder that genuine spiritual manifestations can draw attention and open doors for sharing the truth of God.

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.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:12

    ¶ Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

  • Matthew 2:3

    When Herod the king had heard [these things], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

  • Acts 3:11

    And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

  • Acts 2:2

    And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:9

    For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.

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