Acts 2:11
New International Version
(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

New Living Translation
(both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”

English Standard Version
both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Berean Standard Bible
both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

Berean Literal Bible
both Jews and converts; Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own tongues the great things of God!"

King James Bible
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

New King James Version
Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”

New American Standard Bible
Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty deeds of God.”

NASB 1995
Cretans and Arabs— we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”

NASB 1977
Cretans and Arabs—we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Cretans and Arabs—we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”

Amplified Bible
Cretans and Arabs—we all hear them speaking in our [native] tongues about the mighty works of God!”

Christian Standard Bible
Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking the magnificent acts of God in our own languages.”

American Standard Version
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God.

Contemporary English Version
Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.

English Revised Version
Cretans and Arabians, we do hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Crete, and Arabia. We hear these men in our own languages as they tell about the miracles that God has done."

Good News Translation
both Jews and Gentiles converted to Judaism, and some of us are from Crete and Arabia--yet all of us hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things that God has done!"

International Standard Version
Cretans, and Arabs, listening to them talk in our own languages about the great deeds of God?"

Majority Standard Bible
both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

NET Bible
both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great deeds God has done!"

New Heart English Bible
Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God."

Webster's Bible Translation
Cretes and Arabians we hear them speak in our languages the wonderful works of God.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet we all alike hear these Galilaeans speaking in our own language about the wonderful things which God has done."

World English Bible
Cretans and Arabians—we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Cretes and Arabians, we heard them speaking the great things of God in our tongues.”

Berean Literal Bible
both Jews and converts; Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own tongues the great things of God!"

Young's Literal Translation
Cretes and Arabians, we did hear them speaking in our tongues the great things of God.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Cretes and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the great things of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jews also, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians: we have heard them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
likewise Jews and new converts, Cretans and Arabs: we have heard them speaking in our own languages the mighty deeds of God.”

New American Bible
both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

New Revised Standard Version
Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And those from Crete, and Arabians, behold we hear them speak in our own tongues of the wonderful works of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And who are from Crete, and Arabians, behold, we are hearing from those who are speaking in our own dialects, the wonders of God.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Cretes and Arabians— we hear them speaking, in our own tongues, the wonderful works of God?

Godbey New Testament
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking the mighty works of God in our own languages.

Haweis New Testament
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God.

Mace New Testament
Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet we all alike hear these Galilaeans speaking in our own language about the wonderful things which God has done."

Worrell New Testament
Cretans, and Arabians—we hear them speaking in our own languages the wonderful works of God?"

Worsley New Testament
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, 11both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs— we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”…

Cross References
Joel 2:28-32
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. / I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. ...

Isaiah 66:18-19
“And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory. / I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations.

Psalm 22:27
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him.

Zechariah 8:20-23
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities— / and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’ / And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” ...

Romans 15:9-12
so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.” / Again, it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” / And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and extol Him, all you peoples.” ...

1 Corinthians 12:10
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

Revelation 7:9-10
After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. / And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Isaiah 2:2-3
In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. / And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

John 4:21-24
“Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. / But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. ...

Romans 10:12-13
For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, / for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:6
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:11
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.


Treasury of Scripture

Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Cretes.

Acts 27:7,12
And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; …

Titus 1:5,12
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: …

Arabians.

1 Kings 10:15
Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.

2 Chronicles 17:11
Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.

2 Chronicles 26:7
And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.

wonderful.

Exodus 15:11
Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Job 9:10
Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.

Psalm 26:7
That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Jump to Previous
Alike Arabians Arabs Converts Cretans Crete Declaring Deeds Different Galilaeans God Great Hear Jews Judaism Languages Mighty Speak Speaking Talking Telling Tongues Wonderful Works
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Alike Arabians Arabs Converts Cretans Crete Declaring Deeds Different Galilaeans God Great Hear Jews Judaism Languages Mighty Speak Speaking Talking Telling Tongues Wonderful Works
Acts 2
1. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking various languages,
12. are admired by some, and derided by others;
14. whom Peter disproves;
37. he baptizes a great number who were converted;
41. who afterwards devoutly and charitably converse together;
43. the apostles working many miracles,
46. and God daily increasing his church.














both Jews and converts to Judaism
This phrase highlights the inclusivity of the early Christian message. The Greek word for "converts" is "προσήλυτοι" (prosēlytoi), referring to Gentiles who had embraced Judaism. This indicates the diverse audience present at Pentecost, emphasizing that the Gospel transcends ethnic and religious boundaries. Historically, Judaism was unique in its openness to converts, and this openness is mirrored in the early Christian church's mission to all nations.

Cretans and Arabs
The mention of "Cretans" and "Arabs" underscores the geographical and cultural diversity of those present. Crete, an island in the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula represent the far-reaching impact of the Jewish diaspora. This diversity is significant as it demonstrates the universal nature of the Gospel message. The inclusion of these groups signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3).

we hear them declaring
The verb "hear" (ἀκούομεν, akouomen) is crucial, as it indicates the miraculous nature of the event. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in various languages, allowing each person to hear the message in their native tongue. This miracle of hearing signifies the breaking down of language barriers, symbolizing the unity and universality of the Christian message.

the wonders of God
The phrase "wonders of God" (τὰ μεγαλεῖα τοῦ θεοῦ, ta megaleia tou theou) refers to the mighty works and acts of God, particularly in the context of salvation history. This includes the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The declaration of God's wonders is central to the apostolic preaching, as it points to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inauguration of the new covenant through Christ.

in our own tongues
The phrase "in our own tongues" (ταῖς ἡμετέραις γλώσσαις, tais hēmeterais glōssais) emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the Gospel message. The use of "tongues" signifies the reversal of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where God confused human language. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit unites what was once divided, symbolizing the restoration and reconciliation brought about through Christ. This event foreshadows the global mission of the church to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, affirming the inclusivity and accessibility of God's salvation.

(11) The wonderful works of God.--Better, the great things, or the majesty, of God. The word is the same as in Luke 1:49. The word points, as has been said above, distinctly to words of praise and not of teaching.

Verse 11. - Cretans for Cretes, A.V. ; speaking for speak, A.V.; mighty for wonderful, A.V. (τὰ μεγαλεῖα).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
both
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

Jews
Ἰουδαῖοί (Ioudaioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

converts to Judaism;
προσήλυτοι (prosēlytoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4339: From the alternate of proserchomai; an arriver from a foreign region, i.e., an acceder to Judaism.

Cretans
Κρῆτες (Krētes)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2912: A Cretan, an inhabitant of Crete. From Krete; a Cretan, i.e. Inhabitant of Crete.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Arabs—
Ἄραβες (Arabes)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 690: An Arabian. From Arabia; an Arab or native of Arabia.

we hear
ἀκούομεν (akouomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

them
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

declaring
λαλούντων (lalountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mighty works
μεγαλεῖα (megaleia)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3167: Grand, magnificent, splendid. From megas; magnificent, i.e. a conspicuous favor, or perfection.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

[in] our own
ἡμετέραις (hēmeterais)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2251: Our, our own. From thnetos; our.

tongues!”
γλώσσαις (glōssais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language.


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