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Acts 2:17

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Acts 2:17 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse foreshadows a time in the future when God will pour out His Spirit upon all people, regardless of age or gender. It signifies a time of heightened spiritual awareness and communication with divinity. The pouring out of the Spirit upon all flesh suggests a universal offering of divine inspiration and revelation to every individual. The reference to sons and daughters prophesying, young men seeing visions, and old men dreaming dreams emphasizes that this outpouring of the Spirit will result in different forms of divine communication tailored to each individual's unique spiritual gifts and experiences. This verse speaks to the inclusivity of God's message and the accessibility of His Spirit to all who seek a deeper connection with Him. It serves as a reminder that God's communication is not limited to a select few but is available to everyone who opens their heart to His guidance and grace.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it refers to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all believers in the last days. This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and they began speaking in other tongues. This event marked the beginning of the church age and the empowerment of believers to proclaim the gospel to all nations. The emphasis on 'your sons and your daughters shall prophesy' highlights the inclusive nature of the gospel message, which is available to all, regardless of gender or age. The reference to 'your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams' suggests that God will communicate his will through various means, and that believers of all generations have a role to play in advancing his kingdom.

Acts 2:17 in other translations

American Standard Version

And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:

World English Bible

β€˜It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams.

Douay-Rheims

And it shall come to pass, in the last days, (saith the Lord), I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And it shalbe in the last daies, saith God, I wil powre out of my Spirite vpon al flesh, and your sonnes, and your daughters shall prophecie, and your yong men shall see visions, and your old men shall dreame dreames.