Acts 2:5
What does Acts 2:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 2:5 means
Jerusalem during Pentecost was a melting pot of Jewish people from across the Roman world and beyond, gathered for the annual pilgrimage. These were not merely casual visitors but 'devout men,' indicating a serious commitment to their faith and the customs of Judaism. Their presence, drawn from 'every nation under heaven,' significantly amplified the reach of the Gospel message, as they would soon carry the news of these events back to their home regions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now there were living at Jerusalem, Jews, God-fearing men, from every nation under heaven.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation of those under the heaven,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, pious men, from every nation of those under heaven.
Context
Following the account of the Spirit's outpouring and the disciples speaking in tongues, this verse introduces the diverse audience present in Jerusalem. This context is crucial for understanding the impact of the miraculous speaking in languages, as it explains why so many different people groups would be able to understand the disciples' message. This sets up the crowd's reaction in the subsequent verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 17:24
for as the lightning, when it lighteneth out of the one part under the heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall the Son of man be in his day.
- Acts 10:7
And when the angel that spake unto him was departed, he called two of his household-servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
- Luke 2:25
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
- Acts 2:1
And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place.
- Acts 10:2
a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
- Acts 13:50
But the Jews urged on the devout women of honorable estate, and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders.
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