And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

ACTS 2:4KJV
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Acts 2:4 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:4 mean?

Acts 2:4 describes how everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them. This event marks a moment when the followers of Jesus experienced a special empowerment from God, allowing them to communicate in ways they had not learned naturally.

In the setting of Acts 2, the disciples and other followers of Jesus were gathered together in Jerusalem during the Jewish festival of Pentecost. Suddenly, they experienced a dramatic spiritual event, which included speaking in other tongues—languages they had not previously known. This moment is significant because it showed a visible and audible sign of God's presence and power among them, and it prepared them to share their message with people from many nations gathered in the city.

The Greek behind Acts 2:4

  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "Spirit" or "Ghost"): This word is often understood as "breath" or "wind," but here it refers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing a divine and active presence filling the disciples.
  • γλῶσσαις ἑτέραις (glōssais heterais, "other tongues"): This phrase means "different languages." The Greek highlights that these were not just ecstatic utterances but recognizable languages, which is important for understanding the miracle described.
  • ἐδίδου (edidou, "gave"): This verb means "was giving" or "granted." The sense is that the ability to speak these languages was not self-generated but was given by the Spirit in that moment.
  • ἀποφθέγγεσθαι (apophthengesthai, "utterance"): This word means to speak out clearly or to declare. It suggests that what was spoken was understandable and had meaning, not just random sounds.

Why Acts 2:4 matters

  • Acts 2:4 clarifies that the ability to speak in other languages was a direct result of being filled with the Holy Spirit, not something the disciples did on their own.
  • The verse highlights the inclusive nature of this event: "all" were filled, not just a select few, showing the widespread impact of the Spirit's arrival.
  • This moment sets the stage for the rest of Acts 2, where people from many nations hear the message in their own languages, emphasizing the global reach of the early Christian message.

Where else these words appear

“utterance” Greek G669 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 2:14 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 26:25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

“were” Greek G4130 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
  • Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  • Acts 3:10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

“all” Greek G537 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
  • Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

“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.