Acts 2:8
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
2 of 12
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίᾳ
own
G2398
ἰδίᾳ
own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
7 of 12
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
Historical Context
The listed languages represented the eastern (Parthian, Median, Elamite), western (Roman, Cyrenian), northern (Cappadocian, Pontic), and southern (Egyptian, Arabian) reaches of the known world. This encompassed the entire Roman Empire and beyond, fulfilling Isaiah's vision of salvation reaching earth's ends.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit's multilingual miracle demonstrate that the gospel is for all peoples without cultural compromise?
- What 'language barriers' - cultural, intellectual, or social - might hinder your witness that God's Spirit can overcome?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'wherein we were born' (Greek 'gennethe-men') emphasizes that the Spirit enabled perfect communication in native dialects, not mere foreign languages. This miraculous sign authenticated apostolic authority while demonstrating the gospel's accessibility to all nations. No linguistic barrier could hinder God's redemptive purposes - a foretaste of Revelation 7's vision of every tongue worshiping the Lamb.