Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

ACTS 2:6KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 2:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:6 mean?

Acts 2:6 describes how a large crowd gathered and was confused because each person heard the apostles speaking in their own native language. The verse highlights the surprising and miraculous nature of the event, as people from many different backgrounds understood the message in their own tongues.

This moment takes place during the festival of Pentecost in Jerusalem, where Jews from many regions had gathered. The apostles had just received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in various languages. The crowd’s confusion comes from the unexpected fact that, despite their different origins, everyone could understand what was being said as if it were in their own familiar language.

The Greek behind Acts 2:6

  • "συνεχύθη" (synechythē, G4797) means "were confounded" or "were bewildered." This word emphasizes the crowd’s deep surprise and confusion at what they were witnessing, not just a mild puzzlement.
  • "ἑκάστου" (hekastou, G1538) means "every" or "each." The verse stresses that this experience was individual—each person, not just groups, heard in their own language.
  • "διαλέκτῳ" (dialektō, G1258) means "language" or "dialect." This word points to the specific, recognizable languages or dialects spoken by the crowd, not just general speech or noise.

Why Acts 2:6 matters

  • Acts 2:6 clarifies that the miracle at Pentecost was not just about the apostles speaking, but about real communication—every listener heard in their own language, making the message personal and accessible.
  • The verse sets up the rest of the chapter, showing why the crowd was so amazed and ready to listen to Peter’s explanation that follows.
  • Understanding the crowd’s confusion helps explain the impact of the Holy Spirit’s arrival, marking a turning point where the message of Jesus becomes available to people from all nations, not just one group.

Where else these words appear

“confounded” Greek G4797 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
  • Acts 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
  • Acts 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

“language” Greek G1258 · used in 6 verses

  • 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 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
  • Acts 22:2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

“multitude” Greek G4128 · used in 32 verses

  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
  • Acts 15:30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

“together” Greek G4905 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
  • Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.