Acts 2:15
What does Acts 2:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 2:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 2:15 means
Peter directly refutes the mocking accusation that the disciples were drunk. He points to the early hour of the day—the 'third hour,' which is about 9 AM—as evidence that such a state of intoxication was highly improbable. This logical defense clears the way for his true explanation, establishing a sober and serious tone for the supernatural events they had witnessed, preparing the audience to hear the true meaning of the spiritual outpouring.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; seeing it is but the third hour of the day;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; seeing it is but the third hour of the day;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For these men are not overcome with wine, as it seems to you, for it is only the third hour of the day;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for these are not drunken, as ye take it up, for it is the third hour of the day.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For these are not drunk, as you suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for these are not full of wine, as ye suppose, for it is the third hour of the day;
Context
Having presented himself to address the crowd in the previous verse, Peter immediately tackles the cynical accusation of drunkenness. By pointing out the early hour, he logically dismisses the mocking claim, thereby establishing a credible platform for his actual explanation of the miraculous events, which he introduces as a fulfillment of prophecy.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 1:15
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Jehovah.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:5
for ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness;
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