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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:6 describes the immediate and overwhelming public reaction to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. As the sound of the Spirit's descent and the disciples' miraculous speaking in diverse languages became widely known, a vast multitude of pilgrims from various nations converged, utterly bewildered and astonished. Their confusion stemmed from the extraordinary phenomenon that each person present heard the Galilean disciples proclaiming God's mighty works in their own native tongue, a clear sign of divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following the dramatic events of [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit"), where the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples with the sound of a mighty rushing wind and visible tongues of fire, empowering them to speak in other tongues. Acts 2:6 specifically details the public's response to this supernatural manifestation, setting the stage for the broader narrative of the early church's evangelistic mission. It immediately precedes the crowd's questioning and Peter's subsequent sermon, which begins in [Acts 2:14](/acts/2-14 "Acts 2:14 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost"), providing the necessary context for the gospel message to be proclaimed to a diverse, international audience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), one of the three major pilgrimage festivals for Jews. This meant Jerusalem was teeming with devout Jews and proselytes from across the Roman Empire and beyond, as detailed in [Acts 2:9-11](/acts/2-9-11 "Acts 2:9-9 - Nations Represented at Pentecost"). This diverse demographic, representing numerous languages and cultures, was crucial for the immediate and widespread impact of the miracle. The Jewish expectation of a Messiah and the spiritual fervor surrounding the feast created a fertile ground for the Holy Spirit's dramatic arrival and the subsequent proclamation of the gospel.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:6 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Acts and broader biblical theology. It highlights **Divine Communication** as God supernaturally bridges linguistic barriers to deliver His message, often seen as a significant reversal of the [confusion of languages at Babel](/genesis/11-7 "Genesis 11:7 - The Tower of Babel and the Confusion of Languages"). The **Universal Scope of the Gospel** is underscored, as the miracle demonstrates God's intent for His message to reach all nations, fulfilling the commission given by Jesus in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Furthermore, the **Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit** is central, as the Spirit enables ordinary Galileans to perform an extraordinary feat, drawing attention and preparing hearts for the message of Christ. The crowd's **Astonishment and Wonder** also serve to validate the divine origin of the event, distinguishing it from mere human performance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **noised abroad (Greek, _phōnḗ_ G5456 and _gínomai_ G1096):** The KJV phrase "when this was noised abroad" combines the Greek words _phōnḗ_, meaning "sound" or "voice," and _gínomai_, meaning "to come into being," "to happen," or "to become." Together, they convey the idea that the "sound" (likely referring to the "sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind" from [Acts 2:2](/acts/2-2 "Acts 2:2 - The Sound of the Spirit")) "came to pass" or "became known" throughout the city. This indicates the rapid spread of information about the miraculous event, drawing the attention of the diverse multitude.
* **confounded (Greek, _synchéō_ G4797):** This word literally means "to pour together," "to mix up," or "to throw into confusion." It vividly describes the state of utter bewilderment, perplexity, and astonishment experienced by the crowd. They were not merely surprised but deeply disoriented and unable to comprehend how Galileans could speak in so many different foreign languages, highlighting the supernatural and inexplicable nature of the miracle from their perspective.
* **language (Greek, _diálektos_ G1258):):** Derived from which we get "dialect," this term specifically refers to a distinct mode of discourse, a specific tongue or language. Its use here emphasizes that the disciples were not speaking in an unintelligible ecstatic utterance, but in actual, recognizable, and diverse human languages. This precision is crucial, as it confirms that the miracle was one of intelligible communication, enabling each listener to hear the gospel message in their native tongue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when this was noised abroad":** This opening clause indicates the rapid dissemination of information about the supernatural phenomena that just occurred (the sound of the wind, the tongues of fire, and the speaking in tongues). The news of these extraordinary events quickly spread throughout Jerusalem, drawing immediate public attention and curiosity.
* **"the multitude came together, and were confounded":** As the news spread, a vast and diverse crowd of people, representing various nations and languages, converged on the scene. Their immediate reaction was one of profound confusion and astonishment. They were utterly bewildered by what they were witnessing, unable to reconcile the ordinary background of the disciples with the extraordinary linguistic abilities they displayed.
* **"because that every man heard them speak in his own language":** This final clause provides the precise reason for the multitude's confusion and wonder. The miracle was not merely that the disciples spoke in tongues, but that each individual in the diverse crowd heard the message being proclaimed in their specific native tongue or dialect. This personalized, direct communication was the core of the astonishment, demonstrating a divine reversal of linguistic barriers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the impact of the Pentecost event. **Hyperbole** is suggested in "the multitude came together," implying an immense, almost overwhelming crowd, emphasizing the widespread impact of the miracle. **Irony** is subtly present, as this event, where languages are miraculously understood, stands in stark contrast to the **confusion of languages** at the Tower of Babel, where communication was deliberately fractured by God. This reversal signifies a new era of unity and understanding in the Spirit. Furthermore, the emphasis on "every man heard them speak in his own language" highlights the **specificity** and **personal relevance** of the miracle, underscoring God's desire for His message to reach individuals directly and intelligibly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:6 is a foundational text demonstrating God's active involvement in the spread of His message and His desire for universal salvation. The miraculous ability of the disciples to speak in diverse languages signifies a profound theological truth: the gospel is not confined by cultural or linguistic barriers. This event marks a decisive turning point, illustrating the Holy Spirit's power to equip believers for global witness and to break down divisions that hinder the proclamation of God's saving truth. It foreshadows the church's mission to reach "all nations," ensuring that the good news of Jesus Christ is accessible and understandable to every person, regardless of their background.

* [Isaiah 66:18](/isaiah/66-18 "Isaiah 66:18 - God Gathers All Nations")
* [Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission to All the World")
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit's transformative power and God's heart for all humanity. It challenges believers today to consider how we can effectively communicate the unchanging truth of the gospel in a world of diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives. Just as the Spirit enabled the early disciples to bridge linguistic divides, He empowers us to overcome barriers—whether cultural, social, or intellectual—to share Christ's love and truth. This verse encourages us to pray for and participate in missions, supporting efforts to translate the Bible, train indigenous leaders, and develop culturally relevant ministries. It also calls us to be attentive to the unique needs and contexts of those we seek to reach, ensuring our message is not only true but also intelligible and compelling. The astonishment of the multitude should inspire us to live lives that genuinely reflect the supernatural power of God, drawing others to inquire about the hope we possess.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the miracle of Pentecost challenge my assumptions about effective evangelism and cross-cultural communication?**
* **In what ways might I be relying on my own abilities rather than the Holy Spirit's empowerment to share the gospel?**
* **What "language barriers" (literal or figurative) exist in my sphere of influence, and how can I pray for or act to bridge them for the sake of the gospel?**

### FAQ
**Was the speaking in tongues at Pentecost the same as the "tongues" mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 14)?**

Answer: While both phenomena are referred to as "tongues," the context in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") strongly indicates that the disciples were speaking in actual, known human languages previously unknown to them. The text explicitly states that people from various nations heard "in his own language" (Greek _diálektos_, Acts 2:6, 8) and listed specific regions (Acts 2:9-11). This was a miracle of communication for evangelistic purposes. In contrast, the "tongues" described in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Prophecy and Tongues") appear to be primarily for personal edification or, if interpreted, for the edification of the church, and are often described as unintelligible without an interpreter (1 Corinthians 14:2, 13). While both are spiritual gifts, their primary function and manifestation seem distinct based on their respective biblical contexts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The events of Acts 2, culminating in the multi-ethnic crowd hearing the gospel in their own languages, are a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was the direct result of Christ's ascension and His promise to send the Helper ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"); [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Promises the Spirit")). This divine empowerment of the disciples to speak in diverse tongues immediately after Christ's glorification demonstrates that the new covenant, inaugurated by Jesus' death and resurrection, is for all peoples, not just Israel ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). The reversal of the linguistic confusion at Babel ([Genesis 11:1-9](/genesis/11-1-9 "Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel")) through the Spirit's work at Pentecost signifies that in Christ, the divisions of humanity are overcome, and a new, unified humanity is being formed, reconciled to God and to one another ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The miracle of tongues thus serves as a powerful witness to Christ's universal Lordship and the global reach of His salvation, gathering a people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation to worship the Lamb ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.