King James Version
Acts 21:31 in the King James Version says “And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.”
Acts 21:31 · King James Version
(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
And all the city was moved, and the people ran together : and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.
And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was , and what he had done.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“as they went about”
G2212to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“unto the chief captain”
G5506the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
“of the band”
G4686a coil (spira, "spire"), i.e., (figuratively) a mass of men (a roman military cohort; also (by analogy) a squad of levitical janitors)
“all”
G3650"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
“was in an uproar”
G4797to commingle promiscuously, i.e., (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind)
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.
Acts 21:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Acts 21:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge