King James Version

What Does Acts 19:28 Mean?

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

Context

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:

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

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

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **They were full of wrath, and cried out.**—Better, *they went on crying out, *the tense implying continued action. **Great is Diana of the Ephesians.**—The cry was probably the usual chorus of the festivals of Artemis. Stress was now laid on the distinctive adjective, “Great she was, whoever might attack her greatness.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 19:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.