Acts 2:19
And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δώσω
I will shew
G1325
δώσω
I will shew
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 19
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
6 of 19
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σημεῖα
signs
G4592
σημεῖα
signs
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
9 of 19
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
12 of 19
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
αἷμα
blood
G129
αἷμα
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
14 of 19
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Similar apocalyptic imagery appears in Exodus 19 (Sinai), Ezekiel 38-39 (Gog and Magog), and Revelation 6-8 (seal judgments). These cosmic disturbances signal transition between ages - from law to grace at Pentecost, from grace to glory at the Parousia. Ancient Near Eastern peoples understood celestial phenomena as divine communication.
Questions for Reflection
- How should awareness of living in the 'last days' affect your priorities and urgency in gospel ministry?
- What does cosmic upheaval accompanying salvation history teach about God's lordship over all creation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Joel's 'wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath' encompass both cosmic upheaval and earthly testimony to God's judgment and salvation. The imagery of 'blood, fire, and vapor of smoke' evokes both Sinai's theophany and eschatological judgment. Peter applies this to the 'last days' inaugurated at Pentecost, suggesting the entire church age exists under these signs' shadow, awaiting final fulfillment at Christ's return.