Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

ACTS 2:33KJV
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Acts 2:33 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:33 mean?

Acts 2:33 says that Jesus, now honored at God’s right hand, has received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father and has poured out this Spirit, which the crowd is now witnessing through the events they see and hear. The verse explains that what is happening is a direct result of Jesus’ exaltation and God’s promise being fulfilled.

Peter is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem during Pentecost, explaining the dramatic signs they are witnessing—the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ followers. He connects these events to Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation, showing that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is proof that Jesus has been raised to the highest place of honor by God and is now sharing God’s promised gift with his people.

The Greek behind Acts 2:33

  • “Right hand” (δεξιᾷ, dexia): In Greek, this phrase often means a position of highest honor or authority. Peter is saying Jesus now shares in God’s power and authority.
  • “Exalted” (ὑψωθείς, hypsōtheis): This word means to be lifted up or raised high, not just physically but in status. It emphasizes that Jesus’ current position is one of glory and honor.
  • “Promise” (ἐπαγγελίαν, epangelian): This word refers to something pledged or assured. Here, it points to God’s earlier promise to send the Holy Spirit, now fulfilled.
  • “Shed forth” (ἐξέχεεν, execheen): This verb means to pour out or distribute generously. It highlights that the Holy Spirit’s coming is not just a small event but an abundant, visible outpouring.

Why Acts 2:33 matters

  • Acts 2:33 clarifies that the coming of the Holy Spirit is not a random miracle but the result of Jesus’ exaltation and God’s faithfulness to His promise.
  • The verse helps the crowd—and readers—understand that what they are witnessing is evidence of Jesus’ authority and God’s ongoing work.
  • Acts 2:33 connects the resurrection, Jesus’ current status, and the experience of the Spirit, tying together key themes of Peter’s sermon and the early Christian message.

Where else these words appear

“being” Greek G5312 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
  • Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
  • Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

“forth” Greek G1632 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Acts 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
  • Revelation 16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

“promise” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
  • Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,