Acts 2:6

What does Acts 2:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 2:6 means

The unusual sound of the disciples speaking in various languages drew a large crowd, creating a scene of astonishment and confusion. Each person heard the message in their own native language, a phenomenon that defied natural explanation. This immediate comprehension by diverse people was a divine sign, validating the supernatural origin of the disciples' speech and capturing the attention of a wide audience. It underscored the universal nature of the Gospel message.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when this sound came to their ears, they all came together, and were greatly surprised because every man was hearing the words of the disciples in his special language.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the rumour of this having come, the multitude came together, and was confounded, because they were each one hearing them speaking in his proper dialect,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded in mind, because that every man heard them speak in his own tongue.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the rumour of this having spread, the multitude came together and were confounded, because each one heard them speaking in his own dialect.

Context

This verse describes the immediate effect of the disciples speaking in tongues on the multinational crowd introduced in the previous verse. The sound and the miraculous understanding of individual languages draw the multitude together, leading to their amazement and perplexity, which sets the stage for their questions and Peter's subsequent sermon.

v.5Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

v.6This passage

v.7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galilæans?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 3:11

    And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

  • Matthew 2:3

    And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:9

    for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:12

    Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

  • Acts 2:2

    And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

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