But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

ACTS 2:14KJV
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Acts 2:14 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:14 mean?

Acts 2:14 introduces Peter’s public response to the crowd in Jerusalem. Peter speaks alongside the other eleven apostles and asks the people of Judaea and those living in Jerusalem to listen carefully to what he is about to tell them.

Peter’s raised voice pictures him addressing the gathered crowd so that they can hear him. After some people in the crowd mock the speakers in verse 13, Peter begins an explanation of what the people have witnessed.

The Greek behind Acts 2:14

  • “said” — ἀποφθέγγομαι (apophtheggomai): This word carries the sense of speaking out or making a statement. Its use here presents Peter’s words as a public declaration to the crowd.
  • “hearken” — ἐνωτίζομαι (enōtizomai): This word means to give ear or listen closely. Peter is asking the crowd to pay attention to his explanation, not merely to hear the sound of his voice.

Why Acts 2:14 matters

  • Peter speaks with the other apostles beside him. The phrase “standing up with the eleven” places his address in the company of the group, even though Peter is the one speaking.
  • Peter addresses a broad audience. His words reach both “men of Judaea” and “all ye that dwell at Jerusalem,” rather than only those who had mocked.
  • The verse marks the beginning of Peter’s explanation. His request, “be this known unto you,” prepares the listeners for his response to their confusion about what has happened.

Where else these words appear

“said” Greek G669 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
  • Acts 26:25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

“eleven” Greek G1733 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
  • Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
  • Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

“known” Greek G1110 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
  • Acts 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
  • Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

“be” Greek G2077 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
  • Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.