Acts 19:36
What does Acts 19:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:36 means
“Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid,” the townclerk says, “you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash.” He urges practical wisdom: if Diana’s standing is unassailable, there is no need for violence. The logic is internal to their worldview, yet it serves God’s purpose of protecting the innocent. The verse models civil authority restoring peace by appealing to stability and prudence rather than inflaming passions. It is a call to return from mob rule to lawful order. Even without endorsing Christian truth, the official pushes back against chaos that would unjustly harm Paul’s companions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So then, because these things may not be doubted, it would be better for you to be quiet, and do nothing unwise.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862these things, then, not being to be gainsaid, it is necessary for you to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For as much therefore as these things cannot be contradicted, you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rashly.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890These things therefore being undeniable, it is necessary that ye should be calm and do nothing headlong.
Context
This admonition follows the clerk’s reminder of Ephesus’s prestigious religious status. The next verse specifies that the accused men are not guilty of temple robbery or blasphemy against the goddess, undermining the mob’s pretext. The speech then points to proper legal channels for any legitimate complaints and warns of the danger of Roman charges due to the unlawful assembly.
v.35And when the townclerk had quieted the multitude, he saith, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
v.36This passage
v.37For ye have brought hither these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 25:8
Go not forth hastily to strive, Lestthou know notwhat to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
- Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
- Acts 5:35
And he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what ye are about to do.
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