Holy Spirit fell upon them

The Greek that is translated as “(the) Holy Spirit fell upon (them)” in English is translated in Chol as “the Holy Spirit was given in their hearts.”

Wilbur Aulie (in The Bible Translator 1957, p. 109ff. ) explains: “Anthromorphisms may be easily misunderstood by Chol readers. The expression ‘the Holy Spirit fell on them’ is understood by some as referring to a bodily fall of the Spirit. Because of the literal-minded reader it was rendered: ‘The Holy Spirit was given in their hearts’. This change was not made without misgivings, however, for as someone else has observed, there is always an element of uncertainty in exegesis.”

See also filled with the Holy Spirit / full with the Holy Spirit.

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