King James Version

What Does Acts 19:35 Mean?

Acts 19:35 in the King James Version says “And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? a worshipper: Gr. the temple keeper”

Acts 19:35 · KJV

Context

33

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward . And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

34

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

35

And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? a worshipper: Gr. the temple keeper

36

Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

37

For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

Read Acts 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? This verse records a pagan official's intervention during the riot against Paul in Ephesus. The "townclerk" (grammateus, γραμματεύς) was Ephesus's chief executive officer, responsible for city administration and conducting assemblies. His role as peacemaker demonstrates God's providence in protecting His servants through unlikely means.

"Appeased" translates katasteilas (καταστείλας), meaning to quiet down, calm, or restrain. The clerk's diplomatic skill de-escalated mob violence that threatened Paul and his companions. His argument appeals to civic pride: Ephesus's status as "worshipper" (neōkoron, νεωκόρον, literally 'temple-keeper' or 'temple-warden') of Artemis/Diana was universally acknowledged. The city held official designation as guardian of Artemis's temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The reference to "the image which fell down from Jupiter" describes the cult statue believed to have fallen from heaven (diopetous, διοπετοῦς, 'fallen from Zeus'). This probably refers to a meteorite venerated as divine. The clerk's speech ironically demonstrates that even pagan officials recognized Christianity posed no political threat—the real danger was mob hysteria jeopardizing Ephesus's relationship with Rome. God uses even pagan authorities to protect His gospel messengers (Romans 13:1-4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This event occurred during Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10, 54-57 CE), a period of extraordinary gospel advance in Asia Minor. Ephesus was a major commercial center and capital of the Roman province of Asia, with a population of approximately 250,000. The temple of Artemis (Diana) was central to the city's economy, religious identity, and prestige.

The riot was sparked by Demetrius, a silversmith whose lucrative business making silver shrines of Artemis was threatened by conversions to Christianity (Acts 19:23-27). His economic concerns mobilized religious fervor, and mob violence erupted. The townclerk's intervention prevented what could have been a massacre and protected Paul from charges of sacrilege.

Archaeological excavations have confirmed Luke's accuracy: inscriptions verify the townclerk's official title, Ephesus's role as 'temple-keeper,' and the city's dependence on Artemis worship. The theater where the riot occurred seated 24,000 people. The clerk's concern about Roman scrutiny (Acts 19:40) reflects historical reality—Rome permitted local self-governance but severely punished cities that couldn't maintain order. This riot demonstrates Christianity's disruptive economic and religious impact as people turned from idols to the living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty work through pagan authorities to protect His people and advance His purposes?
  2. What does this passage reveal about the economic and social impacts of genuine gospel transformation?
  3. How should Christians respond when their faith creates economic disruption or opposition?
  4. What principles of wisdom can we learn from the townclerk's handling of this volatile situation?
  5. In what ways does this narrative illustrate the difference between political threats and gospel witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καταστείλας1 of 28

“had appeased”

G2687

to put down, i.e., quell

δὲ2 of 28

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 28
G3588

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

γραμματεὺς4 of 28

“when the townclerk”

G1122

a professional writer

τὸν5 of 28
G3588

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

ὄχλον6 of 28

“the people”

G3793

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

φησίν7 of 28

“he said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Ἄνδρες8 of 28

“Ye men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

Ἐφεσίων9 of 28

“of Ephesus”

G2180

an ephesian or inhabitant of ephesus

τίς10 of 28

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γάρ11 of 28
G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν12 of 28

“is there”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἄνθρωπος13 of 28

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ὃς14 of 28

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐ15 of 28

“not”

G3756

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

γινώσκει16 of 28

“knoweth”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὴν17 of 28
G3588

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

Ἐφεσίων18 of 28

“of Ephesus”

G2180

an ephesian or inhabitant of ephesus

πόλιν19 of 28

“how that the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

νεωκόρον20 of 28

“a worshipper”

G3511

a temple-servant, i.e., (by implication) a votary

οὖσαν21 of 28

“is”

G5607

being

τῆς22 of 28
G3588

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

μεγάλης23 of 28

“of the great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

θεᾶς24 of 28

“goddess”

G2299

a female deity

Ἀρτέμιδος25 of 28

“Diana”

G735

prompt; artemis, the name of a grecian goddess borrowed by the asiatics for one of their deities

καὶ26 of 28

“and”

G2532

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

τοῦ27 of 28
G3588

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

διοπετοῦς28 of 28

“of the image which fell down from Jupiter”

G1356

sky-fallen (i.e., an aerolite)

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 19:35 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 19:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 2:10-111 Timothy 4:2Ephesians 2:12Acts 14:12-13Acts 18:19Acts 19:26

Places in This Verse

EphesusSettlement · Modern: Ephesus · 37.94°N, 27.34°E20 verses across 6 books
View all places in Acts 19 →

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Acts 19 with CommentaryAll Acts ChaptersComplete Acts QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes