Acts 2:16
What does Acts 2:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 2:16 means
Having dismissed the accusation of drunkenness, Peter now presents the true explanation for the extraordinary events: they are a direct fulfillment of prophecy spoken by the prophet Joel. This immediately grounds the miraculous phenomena in God's historical plan and Word, validating the Spirit's outpouring as a divine act, not human excess. He directs the crowd's attention to Scripture, setting the theological framework for his entire sermon.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel:
KJV
King James Version · 1611But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But this is the thing which was said by the prophet Joel;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`But this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but this is that which was spoken through the prophet Joel,
Context
After refuting the charge of drunkenness in the previous verse, Peter pivots to providing the true explanation for the phenomena they witnessed. By declaring it a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, he immediately elevates the discussion to a spiritual level, grounding the miraculous events in God's established Word and preparing the audience for a detailed scriptural exposition.
v.15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; seeing it is but the third hour of the day;
v.16This passage
v.17And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Joel 2:28
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
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