(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

ACTS 22:2KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 22:2 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:2 mean?

Acts 22:2 describes how the crowd became even more attentive and quiet when they realized Paul was speaking to them in the Hebrew language. The verse highlights that Paul’s choice to address them in their own tongue gained their respect and full attention.

Paul is standing before a crowd in Jerusalem, having been arrested, and is about to defend himself. The people listening are primarily Jewish, and when they hear Paul use their native language, it signals that he is one of them and understands their culture. This moment sets the stage for Paul’s defense by showing his connection to his audience and their willingness to listen.

The Greek behind Acts 22:2

  • Ἑβραΐδι (Hebraidi, "Hebrew"): This word refers to the Hebrew language, which in this context likely means Aramaic, the common spoken language of the Jews in Jerusalem at the time. Paul’s use of this language would have immediately resonated with his listeners.
  • διαλέκτῳ (dialektō, "tongue" or "dialect"): This emphasizes not just the language, but the specific dialect or way of speaking familiar to the crowd. It underscores the personal connection Paul makes.
  • ἡσυχίαν (hēsychian, "silence"): This word means a deep quiet or stillness, suggesting the crowd was not just silent but fully attentive, showing the impact of Paul’s approach.

Why Acts 22:2 matters

  • This verse clears up why the crowd, which had been hostile or noisy, suddenly became quiet—Paul’s use of their language broke down a barrier and made them more open to hearing him out.
  • It reveals Paul’s wisdom in communication; by speaking in Hebrew (or Aramaic), he shows respect for his audience’s identity and gains their trust.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of Paul’s speech, showing that his message would be heard by people who were now willing to listen, at least for the moment.

Where else these words appear

“Hebrew” Greek G1446 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
  • Acts 26:14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

“silence” Greek G2271 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
  • 1 Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
  • 1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

“tongue” 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 2:6 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 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

“spake” Greek G4377 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
  • Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.