Devine Scripture

Acts 21:36

What does Acts 21:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 21:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 21:36 means

The multitude follows, shouting, “Away with him.” The cry is a demand for removal, even death. It reveals the depth of animosity, not an interest in justice. The phrase recalls the rejection faced by the Lord Jesus; His servant now tastes a similar scorn. Yet God will not grant the crowd its will. Their words propel Paul into the custody that will actually preserve his life and extend his reach. The gospel’s messenger is hated, but the message will be heard. The same steps the mob ascends become the platform from which Paul will soon speak in the people’s own tongue.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, Away with him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, Away with him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For a great mass of people came after them, crying out, Away with him!

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the crowd of the people was following after, crying, `Away with him.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying: Away with him!

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For the multitude of the people followed, crying, Away with him.

Context

This verse heightens the hostility described in verses 34–35. The call for Paul’s removal underscores the urgency of the soldiers’ protective actions. Verses 37–38 immediately shift to an exchange between Paul and the chief captain, revealing Paul’s education and identity. Verse 39 records Paul’s respectful request to address the crowd, and verse 40 shows the commander granting permission. The narrative turns from danger to proclamation.

v.35And when he came upon the stairs, so it was that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the crowd;

v.36This passage

v.37And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle, he saith unto the chief captain, May I say something unto thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 19:15

    They therefore cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar.

  • Acts 22:22

    And they gave him audience unto this word; and they lifted up their voice, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

  • Acts 7:54

    Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

  • Luke 23:18

    But they cried out all together, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:—

  • 1 Corinthians 4:13

    being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things, even until now.

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