Acts 2:7
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
Original Language Analysis
ἐξίσταντο
amazed
G1839
ἐξίσταντο
amazed
Strong's:
G1839
Word #:
1 of 16
to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πρὸς
one to another
G4314
πρὸς
one to another
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
οὗτοί
these
G3778
οὗτοί
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
12 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
Acts 2:12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?Acts 1:11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.John 7:52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
Historical Context
Galileans were stereotyped as uneducated and unsophisticated (John 7:52). Their distinctive accent marked them as outsiders in Jerusalem's refined circles. Yet God chose these humble fishermen and peasants to declare His mighty works in foreign languages they had never learned.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's choice of 'foolish things to confound the wise' challenge your assumptions about effective ministry?
- In what ways might your own background or perceived limitations become instruments of God's glory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The crowd's amazement at hearing Galileans speak in various tongues reveals God's sovereign reversal of human pride. Galilee, despised for its provincial accent and mixed population, became the instrument of divine revelation. The Greek 'existanto' (were amazed) expresses profound astonishment bordering on confusion - human wisdom cannot comprehend God's methods of exalting the humble.