Acts 2:9
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατοικοῦντες
the dwellers
G2730
κατοικοῦντες
the dwellers
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
8 of 18
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μεσοποταμίαν
in Mesopotamia
G3318
Μεσοποταμίαν
in Mesopotamia
Strong's:
G3318
Word #:
10 of 18
mesopotamia (as lying between the euphrates and the tigris; compare h0763), a region of asia
Ἰουδαίαν
in Judaea
G2449
Ἰουδαίαν
in Judaea
Strong's:
G2449
Word #:
11 of 18
the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Peter 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,Revelation 1:4John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;Acts 16:6Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,Acts 18:2And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.Isaiah 11:11And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.Acts 19:10And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.Acts 6:9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.Genesis 14:1And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;Genesis 24:10And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.2 Kings 17:6In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
Historical Context
Parthians and Medes represented the eastern frontier, former enemies of Israel. Mesopotamia was Abraham's original homeland (Ur of the Chaldees). Elamites descended from Noah's son Shem. This list traces salvation history from Genesis to the present moment, showing God's covenant faithfulness across centuries and geography.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage demonstrate that salvation history encompasses all nations from creation onward?
- What does God's inclusion of former enemies (Parthians, Medes) teach about the gospel's reconciling power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This geographic catalog demonstrates the fulfillment of Acts 1:8's commission - 'unto the uttermost part of the earth.' The specific enumeration of Parthia (Persia's successor), Media, Elam, Mesopotamia, and surrounding regions shows God's meticulous care in reaching Abraham's scattered descendants and all nations descended from Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Each region represented a distinct cultural and linguistic tradition now hearing God's works in their mother tongue.