And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

ACTS 19:6KJV
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Acts 19:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:6 mean?

Acts 19:6 describes how, after Paul placed his hands on a group of people, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in other languages and to prophesy. This verse shows a visible and audible sign that the Holy Spirit was now present with these believers.

In this scene, Paul is in Ephesus and is speaking to a group who had only known John the Baptist’s message. After Paul explains Jesus to them and baptizes them, he lays his hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit in a dramatic way. The speaking in tongues and prophesying are outward signs, showing both to them and to others that something significant has happened.

The Greek behind Acts 19:6

  • ἔθηκεν (etheken, "laid"): This word means to place or put, and here it refers to Paul physically placing his hands on the people. In the book of Acts, this gesture is often connected with the giving or receiving of the Holy Spirit.
  • πνεῦμα ἅγιον (pneuma hagion, "Holy Ghost"): This phrase means "Holy Spirit." The Greek emphasizes the Spirit as both holy and active, coming upon the believers in a powerful way.
  • ἐλάλουν γλώσσαις (elaloun glossais, "spake with tongues"): The word γλώσσαις (glossais) means "languages" or "tongues." It suggests that the people spoke in languages they had not learned, a sign often associated with the arrival of the Holy Spirit in Acts.
  • ἐπροφήτευον (epropheteuon, "prophesied"): This word means to speak forth or declare inspired messages. In Acts, prophecy is another sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence, showing that the Spirit empowers people to speak God’s message.

Why Acts 19:6 matters

  • Acts 19:6 clarifies that receiving the Holy Spirit could be accompanied by visible signs, such as speaking in tongues and prophecy, especially in the early church’s beginnings.
  • The verse highlights that Paul’s ministry in Ephesus brought people into a fuller understanding of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, moving them beyond John’s baptism.
  • This moment connects to other scenes in Acts where the Holy Spirit’s arrival is marked by dramatic signs, showing the unity of believers’ experiences across different places and backgrounds.

Where else these words appear

“prophesied” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • John 11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

“laid” Greek G2007 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

“tongues” Greek G1100 · used in 47 verses

  • Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
  • 1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.