King James Version

What Does Acts 19:26 Mean?

Acts 19:26 in the King James Version says “Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned... — study this verse from Acts chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

Acts 19:26 · KJV


Context

24

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

25

Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

26

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

27

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised , and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. set at nought: or, brought into disrepute, or, contempt

28

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia—Paul's ministry had provincial impact, not merely local. The Greek πείθω (peithō, 'persuaded') indicates rational argumentation, not coercion. Paul turned away much people (μετέστησεν, metestēsen, 'caused to change sides'), using language of conversion and defection from false religion.

They be no gods, which are made with hands (χειροποίητοι, cheiropoiētoi)—This echoes prophetic mockery of idols (Psalm 115:4-8, Isaiah 44:9-20). Paul's preaching exposed the obvious absurdity: creators cannot be inferior to their creations. The gospel's intellectual coherence, combined with Spirit-power, systematically dismantled Artemis worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The seven churches of Asia (Revelation 2-3) emerged from Paul's Ephesian ministry, which reached the entire province through the hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9-10). Ephesus served as Paul's base for regional evangelism, training workers who planted churches throughout Asia Minor.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'handmade gods' (career, relationships, ideology) might dominate contemporary culture?
  2. How can you balance reasoned persuasion and Spirit-empowerment in your witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

Moreover

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θεωρεῖτε2 of 29

ye see

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

καὶ3 of 29

Moreover

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀκούετε4 of 29

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι5 of 29

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ6 of 29

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μόνον7 of 29

alone

G3440

merely

Ἐφέσου8 of 29

at Ephesus

G2181

ephesus, a city of asia minor

ἀλλὰ9 of 29

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

σχεδὸν10 of 29

almost

G4975

nigh, i.e., nearly

πάσης11 of 29

throughout all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ12 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀσίας13 of 29

Asia

G773

asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore

οἱ14 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος15 of 29

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

οὗτος16 of 29

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

πείσας17 of 29

hath persuaded

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

μετέστησεν18 of 29

and turned away

G3179

to transfer, i.e., carry away, depose or (figuratively) exchange, seduce

ἱκανὸν19 of 29

much

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

ὄχλον20 of 29

people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

λέγων21 of 29

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι22 of 29

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ23 of 29

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰσὶν24 of 29

they be

G1526

they are

θεοὶ25 of 29

gods

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οἱ26 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διὰ27 of 29

with

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

χειρῶν28 of 29

hands

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

γινόμενοι29 of 29

are made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 19:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 19:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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