And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

ACTS 2:17KJV
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Acts 2:17 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:17 mean?

Acts 2:17 describes God’s promise that, in the “last days,” He will give His Spirit to all people, not just a select few. This outpouring of the Spirit will lead to sons and daughters prophesying, young men seeing visions, and old men dreaming dreams, showing that God’s work will include people of all ages and both genders.

In this verse, Peter is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem during the festival of Pentecost, explaining the unusual events they are witnessing. He quotes the prophet Joel to show that what is happening—the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ followers—is a fulfillment of God’s promise to pour out His Spirit widely, breaking old boundaries of age, gender, and status.

The Greek behind Acts 2:17

  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, G4151): This word means “Spirit” and refers here to God’s own Spirit. The verse emphasizes that the Spirit is not limited but poured out generously.
  • σάρξ (sarx, G4561): Translated as “flesh,” this word means all humanity, highlighting that God’s promise is for everyone, not just a particular group.
  • προφητεύσουσιν (prophēteusousin, G4395): This means “they will prophesy.” The Greek word points to speaking inspired messages from God, not just predicting the future.
  • ὁράσεις (horaseis, G3706) and ἐνυπνιάσονται (enypniasontai, G1798): These mean “visions” and “will dream,” showing that God will communicate with people in various ways, not just through traditional prophets.

Why Acts 2:17 matters

  • Acts 2:17 clears up the idea that God’s Spirit is only for a few special people; instead, it shows God’s intention to include everyone, regardless of age, gender, or social standing.
  • The verse connects the events at Pentecost to Old Testament prophecy, helping the crowd understand that what they are seeing is part of God’s long-promised plan.
  • By quoting Joel, Peter emphasizes that God’s new work through Jesus is open and available to all, making this a key moment in the story of the early church.

Where else these words appear

“dreams” Greek G1797 · used in 2 verses

  • Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

“visions” Greek G3706 · used in 3 verses

  • Revelation 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
  • Revelation 9:17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

“men” Greek G3495 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • Mark 14:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

“prophesy” 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.