Acts 2:6

Authorized King James Version

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
γενομένης
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#2
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#3
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
φωνῆς
noised abroad
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#5
ταύτης
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#6
συνῆλθεν
came together
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
#7
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
πλῆθος
the multitude
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
συνεχύθη
were confounded
to commingle promiscuously, i.e., (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind)
#11
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
ἤκουον
heard
to hear (in various senses)
#13
εἷς
man
one
#14
ἕκαστος
that every
each or every
#15
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἰδίᾳ
in his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#17
διαλέκτῳ
language
a (mode of) discourse, i.e., "dialect"
#18
λαλούντων
speak
to talk, i.e., utter words
#19
αὐτῶν
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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