Acts 2:6
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Original Language Analysis
γενομένης
was
G1096
γενομένης
was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνῆς
noised abroad
G5456
φωνῆς
noised abroad
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
4 of 19
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
ταύτης
G3778
ταύτης
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
συνῆλθεν
came together
G4905
συνῆλθεν
came together
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
6 of 19
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλῆθος
the multitude
G4128
πλῆθος
the multitude
Strong's:
G4128
Word #:
8 of 19
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνεχύθη
were confounded
G4797
συνεχύθη
were confounded
Strong's:
G4797
Word #:
10 of 19
to commingle promiscuously, i.e., (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίᾳ
in his own
G2398
ἰδίᾳ
in his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
16 of 19
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
Historical Context
Jerusalem during Pentecost hosted Jews from throughout the Roman Empire and beyond—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, representing perhaps 15+ language groups. This Jewish festival (50 days after Passover) provided ideal circumstances for the gospel's multinational launch.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Pentecost's multilingual miracle inform the church's cross-cultural mission today?
- In what ways does the Spirit enable communication of the gospel across cultural barriers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The multilingual miracle at Pentecost reverses Babel's curse (Genesis 11), signifying the gospel's universal scope. Each person hearing in their native tongue demonstrates the Spirit's power to overcome barriers and make salvation accessible to all nations. This supernatural sign validates the apostles' message.