King James Version

What Does Acts 19:9 Mean?

Acts 19:9 in the King James Version says “But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them,... — study this verse from Acts chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

Acts 19:9 · KJV


Context

7

And all the men were about twelve.

8

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

9

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

10

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

11

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When 'divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude,' Paul 'departed from them, and separated the disciples.' This separation from the synagogue marked Christianity's emergence as distinct from Judaism. Paul's withdrawal prevented unbelievers from hindering believers' growth. Sometimes separation is necessary for gospel advance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's separation initiated the pattern where Christianity became increasingly Gentile-dominated. He moved to 'the school of Tyrannus,' a lecture hall where he could teach daily without synagogue restrictions.

Reflection Questions

  1. When is separation from unbelievers necessary versus premature?
  2. How does persistent unbelief harden hearts and harm faith communities?
  3. What does it mean to speak evil of 'the way' (Christianity)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ὡς1 of 26

when

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δέ2 of 26

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τινός3 of 26

divers

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐσκληρύνοντο4 of 26

were hardened

G4645

to indurate, i.e., (figuratively) render stubborn

καὶ5 of 26

and

G2532

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

ἠπείθουν6 of 26

believed not

G544

to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)

κακολογοῦντες7 of 26

but spake evil

G2551

to revile

τὴν8 of 26
G3588

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

ὁδὸν9 of 26

of that way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἐνώπιον10 of 26

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ11 of 26
G3588

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

πλήθους12 of 26

the multitude

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

ἀποστὰς13 of 26

he departed

G868

to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc

ἀπ'14 of 26

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτῶν15 of 26

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀφώρισεν16 of 26

and separated

G873

to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc

τοὺς17 of 26
G3588

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

μαθητάς18 of 26

the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

καθ'19 of 26

daily

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἡμέραν20 of 26
G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

διαλεγόμενος21 of 26

disputing

G1256

to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)

ἐν22 of 26

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ23 of 26
G3588

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

σχολῇ24 of 26

the school

G4981

properly, loitering (as a withholding of oneself from work) or leisure, i.e., (by implication) a "school" (as vacation from physical employment)

Τυράννου25 of 26

Tyrannus

G5181

a "tyrant"; tyrannus, an ephesian

τινός26 of 26

divers

G5100

some or any person or object


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 19:9 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 19:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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