Bible Strands
Acts 22:2
When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then Paul declared,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem after the Roman commander grants him permission to speak. He shifts to Hebrew to engage his listeners directly during his formal defense.
The words — The text highlights προσεφώνει (prosephōnei), meaning "he was addressing," and Ἑβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ (Hebraidi dialektō), meaning "Hebrew language." Paul deliberately uses this dialect to communicate his defense to the listeners.
The thread — This crowd reaction mirrors Acts 21:40, where receiving permission to speak produces a great hush before the address begins. The linguistic shift reinforces the continuity of his Jewish identity and message.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to note how linguistic choice directly impacts audience receptivity. It demonstrates that effective communication demands meeting listeners in their own framework before presenting a defense.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
Cross-references
- Acts 21:40 Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew: