For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

ACTS 2:15KJV
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Acts 2:15 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:15 mean?

Acts 2:15 explains that the people speaking in tongues are not drunk, as some in the crowd think, because it is only the third hour of the day (about 9 a.m.). Peter is clarifying that what is happening is not the result of alcohol, but something else entirely.

Peter is addressing a crowd in Jerusalem during the festival of Pentecost, after the Holy Spirit has come upon the disciples and they begin speaking in other languages. Some bystanders mock them, assuming they are drunk. Peter stands up and refutes this accusation, pointing out that it is far too early in the day for anyone to be drunk, setting the stage for his explanation of what is truly happening.

The Greek behind Acts 2:15

  • "μεθύουσιν" (methuousin) — translated as "drunken," this Greek word often means to be intoxicated with wine. Peter uses it to directly address and deny the accusation from the crowd.
  • "τρίτη ὥρα" (tritē hōra) — "third hour," meaning about 9 a.m. in Jewish timekeeping. This detail shows Peter’s practical reasoning, as people did not typically drink wine so early in the day.
  • "ὑμεῖς" (hymeis) — "ye," meaning "you all." Peter is speaking directly to the people making the accusation, making his defense personal and pointed.

Why Acts 2:15 matters

  • Acts 2:15 clears up a misunderstanding by showing that the disciples’ unusual behavior is not due to drunkenness, but has a different cause.
  • This verse highlights Peter’s role as a spokesperson and leader among the disciples, taking charge to explain what is happening.
  • Acts 2:15 sets up the explanation that follows, where Peter will connect the event to prophecy and God’s work, helping the reader understand the significance of Pentecost.

Where else these words appear

“suppose” Greek G5274 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

“are” Greek G3184 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
  • 1 Corinthians 11:21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
  • Revelation 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

“third” Greek G5154 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Luke 20:12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

“hour” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  • John 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.