Acts 2:18
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλους
servants
G1401
δούλους
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
5 of 22
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
14 of 22
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐκείναις
those
G1565
ἐκείναις
those
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
15 of 22
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
17 of 22
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματός
Spirit
G4151
πνεύματός
Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
19 of 22
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
Historical Context
In first-century Rome, slaves comprised up to 30% of the population, legally considered property without rights. Jewish society, while more humane, still maintained clear social stratification. That the Spirit would fall on slaves and female slaves shocked contemporary sensibilities, demonstrating the gospel's social revolutionary power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit's equal distribution challenge worldly systems of privilege and hierarchy?
- In what ways might you be limiting the Spirit's work based on cultural expectations rather than biblical truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Joel's prophecy of the Spirit poured on 'servants' and 'handmaidens' demonstrates the New Covenant's radical egalitarianism - social status cannot limit the Spirit's distribution. The Greek 'doulois' (slaves) and 'doulais' (female slaves) shows that the lowest social classes receive the same Spirit as apostles and prophets. This contradicts worldly hierarchy, where power flows downward; in God's economy, the Spirit descends equally on all believers regardless of race, class, or gender.