Acts 2:6

6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

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Acts 2:6 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
The Message Bible (MSG)
6 When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck.
American Standard Version (ASV)
6 And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
6 They gathered when they heard the wind. Each person was startled to recognize his own dialect when the disciples spoke.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6 When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
6 A crowd came together when they heard the sound. They were bewildered because they each heard the believers speaking in their own language.

Acts 2:6 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 2:6

Now when this was noised abroad
Or "when this voice was made"; referring either to the sound, as of a mighty rushing wind, which came from heaven; and might not only be heard by those in the house, into which it came, but by the inhabitants of the city, as it came down from heaven; so the Arabic version renders it, "when the aforesaid sound was made": or else to the apostles' voice, and their speaking with divers tongues; which being heard by some, was told to others, and a rumour of it being made through the city,

the multitude came together;
to the house, or temple, where the disciples were; and this multitude did not consist only of the devout Jews, before mentioned; but of others who scoffed and mocked at the apostles, and who had been concerned in the crucifying of Christ:

and were confounded;
or "confused"; they ran and came together in a disorderly and tumultuous manner; the whole city was in an uproar, the assembly on this occasion was a perfect mob; their numbers were so large, that they were ready to thrust each other down, and trample one another under foot: the Vulgate Latin adds, "in mind"; they did not know what to think of things, they were so astonished at what they heard, that they were scarcely themselves; they were as persons stupid and senseless; being filled partly with shame and confusion, and partly with wonder and amazement, that these illiterate men, the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had crucified, and whose disciples they had in so much contempt, should have such extraordinary gifts bestowed on them:

because that every man heard them speak in his own language;
which shows, what has been before observed, that one spake in one language, and another in another language; or the same person sometimes spoke one language, and sometimes another; so that in course, all languages were spoken by them; whence it appears, that it was not one language only which was spoken by the apostles, which men of different languages heard and understood, as if it was their own; for then the miracle must have been in the hearers, and not in the speakers; and the cloven tongues, as of fire, should rather have sat on them, than on the disciples; and these men be said to be filled with the gifts of the Holy Ghost, rather than they.

Acts 2:6 In-Context

4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.
6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.
7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?
8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?
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