Acts 2:3 Parallel Translations

Tongues that looked like fire appeared to them. The tongues arranged themselves so that one came to rest on each believer.(GOD'S WORD®)

KJV:

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

ASV:

And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them.

BBE:

And they saw tongues, like flames of fire, coming to rest on every one of them.

DBY:

And there appeared to them parted tongues, as of fire, and it sat upon each one of them.

ERV:

And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them.

WEY:

and they saw tongues of what looked like fire distributing themselves over the assembly, and on the head of each person a tongue alighted.

WBS:

And there appeared to them, cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

WEB:

Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them.

YLT:

and there appeared to them divided tongues, as it were of fire; it sat also upon each one of them,

Acts 2:3 Cross References

XREF:

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. (NASB ©1995)

Commentaries and Concordances

PNT:

2:3 There appeared unto them cloven tongues. Luminous tongues sat on each of them, parting asunder (Revised Version), or distributing themselves (margin). Meyer says that the idea is that they parted and distributed themselves on those present. These tongues symbolized the fact that the kingdom now inaugurated was to conquer by the spoken word, by the sword of the Spirit.

WES:

2:3 And there appeared distinct tongues, as of fire - That is, small flames of fire. This is all which the phrase, tongues of fire, means in the language of the seventy. Yet it might intimate God's touching their tongues as it were (together with their hearts) with Divine fire: his giving them such words as were active and penetrating, even as flaming fire.

MHC:

2:1-4 We cannot forget how often, while their Master was with them there were strifes among the disciples which should be the greatest; but now all these strifes were at an end. They had prayed more together of late. Would we have the Spirit poured out upon us from on high, let us be all of one accord. And notwithstanding differences of sentiments and interests, as there were among those disciples, let us agree to love one another; for where brethren dwell together in unity, there the Lord commands his blessing. A rushing mighty wind came with great force. This was to signify the powerful influences and working of the Spirit of God upon the minds of men, and thereby upon the world. Thus the convictions of the Spirit make way for his comforts; and the rough blasts of that blessed wind, prepare the soul for its soft and gentle gales. There was an appearance of something like flaming fire, lighting on every one of them, according to John Baptist's saying concerning Christ; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. The Spirit, like fire, melts the heart, burns up the dross, and kindles pious and devout affections in the soul; in which, as in the fire on the altar, the spiritual sacrifices are offered up. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, more than before. They were filled with the graces of the Spirit, and more than ever under his sanctifying influences; more weaned from this world, and better acquainted with the other. They were more filled with the comforts of the Spirit, rejoiced more than ever in the love of Christ and the hope of heaven: in it all their griefs and fears were swallowed up. They were filled with the gifts of the Holy Ghost; they had miraculous powers for the furtherance of the gospel. They spake, not from previous though or meditation, but as the Spirit gave them utterance.

CONC:

Alighted Appeared Assembly Asunder Cloven Distributed Distributing Divided Fire Flames Parted Parting Rest Rested Resting Sat Separated Themselves Tongue Tongues

Alighted Appeared Assembly Asunder Cloven Distributed Distributing Divided Fire Flames Head Parted Parting Rest Rested Resting Sat Seemed Separated Themselves Tongue Tongues

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GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved.

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