Acts 2:12
What does Acts 2:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 2:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 2:12 means
The crowd's reaction escalated from simple amazement to deep perplexity and questioning. They recognized the extraordinary nature of the event and the inability to explain it naturally. Their question, 'What meaneth this?' signifies their honest bewilderment and perhaps an openness to understanding, setting the stage for Peter's Spirit-empowered explanation. This confusion highlights that the miraculous phenomena were not self-explanatory but required interpretation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they were all surprised and in doubt saying to one another, What is the reason of this?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one unto another, `What would this wish to be?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they were all astonished, and wondered, saying one to another: What meaneth this?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they were all amazed and in perplexity, saying one to another, What would this mean?
Context
After experiencing the miraculous speaking in tongues and identifying its content, this verse describes the collective, bewildered reaction of the crowd. Their perplexity and direct question, "What meaneth this?" create a vacuum for explanation, immediately preparing the reader for the contrasting response of mocking and, ultimately, Peter's interpretive sermon.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:7
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galilæans?
- Acts 17:20
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
- Luke 15:26
And he called to him one of the servants, and inquired what these things might be.
- Acts 10:17
Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate,
- Luke 18:36
and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About The Church
The church, in its various forms, is a central theme in Scripture, revealing God's plan for humanity's redemption and community
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…