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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπλήσθησαν
filled
G4130
ἐπλήσθησαν
filled
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
2 of 16
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
4 of 16
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
ἁγίου
with the Holy
G40
ἁγίου
with the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
5 of 16
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γλώσσαις
tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
10 of 16
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
13 of 16
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
ἐδίδου
gave
G1325
ἐδίδου
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
14 of 16
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Cross References
Acts 13:52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.Mark 16:17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;Acts 4:31And 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 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;1 Corinthians 12:10To 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:John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.Acts 7:55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,Acts 19:6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.Acts 10:46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,Acts 9:17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Historical Context
The 'other tongues' enabled Galilean disciples to be understood by Diaspora Jews speaking Parthian, Median, Elamite, etc. (vv.9-11). This equipped the church for global mission from its inception. Around 3,000 converts from various nations would carry the gospel back to their homelands.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Pentecost's tongue-speaking as clear communication differ from unintelligible ecstatic speech?
- In what ways does the Spirit still equip believers to cross cultural and linguistic barriers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Filled with the Holy Ghost (ἐπλήσθησαν πνεύματος ἁγίου)—The aorist passive verb indicates God's sovereign action, not human achievement. This fulfills John the Baptist's prophecy (Luke 3:16) and Jesus' promise (Acts 1:5). Began to speak with other tongues (γλώσσαις λαλεῖν)—the Spirit's first manifestation was multilingual witness, enabling gospel proclamation to Jews from 'every nation under heaven' (v.5). The 'tongues' were recognizable languages (dialects, v.6), not ecstatic speech—a reversal of Babel's confusion (Genesis 11). This supernatural gift demonstrated the gospel's universal scope.