Acts 19:28
And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γενόμενοι
these sayings they were
G1096
γενόμενοι
these sayings they were
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 12
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἔκραζον
cried out
G2896
ἔκραζον
cried out
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μεγάλη
Great
G3173
Μεγάλη
Great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
9 of 12
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The Artemision (Temple of Artemis) at Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a massive structure rebuilt after arson in 356 BC. The silver shrine industry employed hundreds of craftsmen producing miniature temples and goddess statues for pilgrims. Ephesus's economy depended heavily on religious tourism, making Paul's preaching an economic threat to the city's prosperity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern cultural or economic systems similarly weaponize religious language to defend non-spiritual interests?
- When has the gospel threatened your financial security or cultural identity, and how did you respond?
Analysis & Commentary
They were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians—The Greek θυμός (thumos, wrath) describes fierce, passionate anger erupting spontaneously. Their chant μεγάλη ἡ Ἄρτεμις Ἐφεσίων (megalē hē Artemis Ephesiōn) was likely a cultic formula repeated in temple rituals. Demetrius's economic appeal (verses 25-27) ignited religious nationalism—economic self-interest masquerading as theological devotion.
This mob reaction reveals how paganism conflates religion, economics, and civic pride into an inseparable identity. When the gospel threatens any component, the entire system responds with rage. The craftsmen's anger wasn't theological—they feared revenue loss—but they weaponized religious fervor to defend financial interests.