Acts 19:32
What does Acts 19:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:32 means
Inside, confusion reigns. Some shout one thing, some another; most don’t even know why they came together. This is mob psychology laid bare—noise without knowledge. The scene contrasts with the ordered, reasoned teaching Paul had offered for years. The riot does not arise from legal grievance or careful argument, but from stirred-up passion and economic anxiety. Luke underscores the irrationality of the opposition to the Way. It’s not the gospel that threatens public order; it’s the unreasoning defense of idolatry and profit. The disorder sets the stage for a failed attempt at explanation and, ultimately, for a civic official to restore calm.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And some said one thing, and some another: for there was no order in the meeting; and most of them had no idea why they had come together.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Some indeed, therefore, were calling out one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused, and the greater part did not know for what they were come together;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now some cried one thing, some another. For the assembly was confused: and the greater part knew not for what cause they were come together.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Different persons therefore cried out some different thing; for the assembly was tumultuous, and the most did not know for what cause they had come together.
Context
This description follows the warnings to Paul not to enter the theater and gives readers a snapshot of the assembly’s aimlessness. The next verse shows the Jews pushing forward Alexander to speak, likely to distance themselves from Paul and his companions. But the crowd, upon recognizing him as a Jew, will not let him speak, choosing instead a two-hour chant exalting Diana.
v.31And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theatre.
v.32This passage
v.33And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defence unto the people.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 21:34
And some shouted one thing, some another, among the crowd: and when he could not know the certainty for the uproar, he commanded him to be brought into the castle.
- Matthew 11:7
And as these went their way, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?
- Luke 7:24
And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?
- Acts 19:29
And the city was filled with the confusion: and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel.
- Acts 19:40
For indeed we are in danger to be accused concerning this day’s riot, there being no cause for it: and as touching it we shall not be able to give account of this concourse.
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