Acts 2:43
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐγίνετο
came upon
G1096
Ἐγίνετο
came upon
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ψυχῇ
soul
G5590
ψυχῇ
soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
4 of 14
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
πολλά
many
G4183
πολλά
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 14
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
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 #:
10 of 14
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 14
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.Luke 8:37Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.Luke 7:16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.Mark 16:17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;Jeremiah 33:9And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.
Historical Context
Signs and wonders (Greek 'terata kai sēmeia') marked major redemptive eras: Exodus, prophetic ministry, Christ's ministry, and apostolic age. These miracles weren't random displays but purposeful attestations of divine authority (Hebrews 2:3-4), establishing the church's foundation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you cultivate holy fear of God without losing joy in His presence?
- What role did apostolic signs play in establishing the church that differs from modern expectations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'fear came upon every soul' describes holy awe at God's manifest presence, not terror. The Greek 'phobos' encompasses reverence, respect, and recognition of God's awesome power. This fear coexisted with joy (v. 46), demonstrating biblical fear's compatibility with love. 'Many wonders and signs were done by the apostles' authenticated their message, validating the new covenant's inauguration.