What Is Pentecost — In Biblical Context
Pentecost is the feast of weeks when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early church, empowering believers to proclaim the gospel.
Pentecost is the feast of weeks when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early church, empowering believers to proclaim the gospel.
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." — Acts 2:1-4 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Pentecost — Greek for 'fiftieth day' — was originally the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), occurring fifty days after Passover. It was a harvest festival when the firstfruits of the wheat harvest were offered to the LORD. But its greatest significance came in Acts 2. Ten days after Jesus' ascension, the disciples were gathered in one place on the day of Pentecost when suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire rested on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. Peter stood up and preached, and about three thousand souls were added to the church that day. Pentecost marks the birth of the church, the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, and the beginning of the Spirit-empowered mission to every nation under heaven.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Acts 2:1-4, sits inside Acts 2. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Supporting Passages
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What is the Day of Pentecost?
History & Origins
What Happened at Pentecost?
History & Origins
What Happened at Pentecost?
History & Origins
The Creation
Genesis 1–2 • Origins and Purpose
The Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-47 • Early Church
Pentecost Bible Verses & Devotional
Celebrate the birthday of the Church with these powerful KJV scriptures about th
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.