King James Version

What Does Acts 21:31 Mean?

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 · KJV


Context

29

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

30

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.

31

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32

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.

33

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Greek 'zetountōn' (were about) indicates the mob intended to kill Paul, showing the rage religious jealousy can produce. The Roman garrison's intervention prevented Paul's death, demonstrating God's providential protection through unlikely means. The 'chief captain' (chiliarch, commanding 1000 soldiers) represented Roman authority that would preserve Paul's life and enable his testimony.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Fortress of Antonia, adjacent to the temple, housed Roman troops specifically to monitor temple activities and prevent riots during festivals. The quick military response shows the garrison's readiness to intervene in temple disturbances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God used unlikely or even hostile authorities to protect and advance your life's mission?
  2. What does this teach about trusting God's protection even when circumstances seem deadly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ζητούντων1 of 14

as they went about

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

δὲ2 of 14

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτὸν3 of 14

him

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

ἀποκτεῖναι4 of 14

to kill

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

ἀνέβη5 of 14

came

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

φάσις6 of 14

tidings

G5334

a saying, i.e., report

τῷ7 of 14
G3588

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

χιλιάρχῳ8 of 14

unto the chief captain

G5506

the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel

τῆς9 of 14
G3588

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

σπείρης10 of 14

of the band

G4686

a coil (spira, "spire"), i.e., (figuratively) a mass of men (a roman military cohort; also (by analogy) a squad of levitical janitors)

ὅτι11 of 14

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὅλη12 of 14

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

συγκέχυται13 of 14

was in an uproar

G4797

to commingle promiscuously, i.e., (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind)

Ἰερουσαλήμ14 of 14

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine


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 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.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 21:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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