King James Version

What Does Acts 21:34 Mean?

Acts 21:34 in the King James Version says “And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.”

Acts 21:34 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

35

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

36

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

Read Acts 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude—The confused mob shouted contradictory accusations, revealing their riot was fueled by passion rather than reasoned justice. This chaotic scene recalls Pilate's trial of Jesus, where crowds manipulated by leaders demanded crucifixion without clear charges. When he could not know the certainty for the tumult (θόρυβος, thorubos, uproar)—The Greek emphasizes confused noise preventing rational investigation.

He commanded him to be carried into the castle—The Roman fortress (παρεμβολή, parembole, military camp) provided security. Lysias's decision to protect Paul rather than release him to the mob demonstrates Roman law's commitment to proper legal process, contrasting with the lawless crowd. God's providence again used Rome's judicial system to preserve Paul for witness before governors, kings, and ultimately Caesar.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman military procedure required investigation before punishment. The tribune's confusion was understandable—he initially thought Paul was an Egyptian insurrectionist (v. 38). The castle (Fortress Antonia) served as interrogation center and prison. This began Paul's protective custody that would eventually take him to Rome.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when falsely accused or when truth is drowned out by emotional crowds?
  2. What does God's use of Roman legal protection teach about His providential care through imperfect institutions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἄλλο1 of 23

“some”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ2 of 23

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄλλο3 of 23

“some”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

τι4 of 23

“one thing”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐβόων5 of 23

“cried”

G994

to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)

ἐν6 of 23

“among”

G1722

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

τῷ7 of 23
G3588

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

ὄχλῳ8 of 23

“the multitude”

G3793

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

μὴ9 of 23

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δυναμένος10 of 23

“when he could”

G1410

to be able or possible

δὲ11 of 23

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

γνῶναι12 of 23

“know”

G1097

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

τὸ13 of 23
G3588

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

ἀσφαλὲς14 of 23

“the certainty”

G804

secure (literally or figuratively)

διὰ15 of 23

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν16 of 23
G3588

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

θόρυβον17 of 23

“the tumult”

G2351

a disturbance

ἐκέλευσεν18 of 23

“he commanded”

G2753

"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order

ἄγεσθαι19 of 23

“to be carried”

G71

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

αὐτὸν20 of 23

“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

εἰς21 of 23

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν22 of 23
G3588

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

παρεμβολήν23 of 23

“the castle”

G3925

a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e., (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower antonia)

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 21:34 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 21:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 19:32Acts 23:10Acts 23:16Acts 21:37Acts 22:24Acts 22:30

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Acts 21 with CommentaryAll Acts ChaptersComplete Acts QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes