King James Version

What Does Acts 19:37 Mean?

Acts 19:37 in the King James Version says “For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 19:37 · KJV

Context

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.

38

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. the law: or, the court days are kept

39

But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. lawful: or, ordinary

Read Acts 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess—The town clerk's defense of Paul and his companions highlights their ministry strategy: they preached Christ positively without desecrating pagan temples (ἱεροσύλους, hierosulous, 'temple robbers') or directly blaspheming Artemis (βλασφημοῦντας, blasphēmountas). This doesn't mean they compromised—Acts 19:26 records Paul's message that 'they be no gods, which are made with hands'—but they didn't engage in provocative iconoclasm.

The phrase robbers of churches literally means 'temple robbers,' referring to those who stole from pagan shrines—a serious crime in Roman law. Blasphemers of your goddess would have included direct mockery or desecration. Paul's approach was to proclaim the truth of the living God and let the Holy Spirit convict, rather than attacking paganism frontally. This created legal protection: Roman law allowed new religions unless they disturbed the peace or committed sacrilege.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman religious policy was generally tolerant of diverse beliefs (polytheism was the norm) but fiercely protected established cults from disruption. Temple robbery and blasphemy were punishable offenses. The town clerk's testimony that Paul had done neither was crucial—it established Christianity as a lawful teaching rather than a public menace. This legal precedent would be cited in later trials. Ephesus had particularly strict laws protecting the Artemis cult, given its economic and civic importance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Christians maintain bold gospel proclamation while avoiding unnecessary offense or cultural provocation?
  2. What's the difference between compromising biblical truth and being 'wise as serpents and harmless as doves' in hostile contexts?
  3. In what situations might direct confrontation of false religion be necessary, and when might positive gospel proclamation be more strategic?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἠγάγετε1 of 12

“ye have brought hither”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

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

τοὺς3 of 12
G3588

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

ἄνδρας4 of 12

“men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

τούτους5 of 12

“these”

G5128

these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)

οὔτε6 of 12

“nor yet”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἱεροσύλους7 of 12

“robbers of churches”

G2417

a temple-despoiler

οὔτε8 of 12

“nor yet”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

βλασφημοῦντας9 of 12

“blasphemers”

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

τὴν10 of 12
G3588

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

θεὰν11 of 12

“goddess”

G2299

a female deity

ὑμῶν12 of 12

“of your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

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 19:37 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 19:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:222 Corinthians 6:3Acts 25:81 Corinthians 10:32

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