Acts 19:32
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Original Language Analysis
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἔκραζον·
cried
G2896
ἔκραζον·
cried
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησία
the assembly
G1577
ἐκκλησία
the assembly
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
10 of 19
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
συγκεχυμένη
confused
G4797
συγκεχυμένη
confused
Strong's:
G4797
Word #:
11 of 19
to commingle promiscuously, i.e., (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλείους
the more part
G4119
πλείους
the more part
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
14 of 19
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
ᾔδεισαν
knew
G1492
ᾔδεισαν
knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
16 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Historical Context
Greek cities prided themselves on democratic assemblies where citizens debated civic matters rationally. Ephesus's descent into incoherent shouting exposed how quickly civic ideals collapse under economic threat and religious passion. The Roman Empire increasingly viewed such assemblies as dangerous and curtailed them—this riot vindicated Roman suspicions about mob democracy.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern social media mobs mirror this ancient confusion—people passionate about issues they barely understand?
- What distinguishes Spirit-led church gatherings from emotion-driven movements that co-opt religious language?
Analysis & Commentary
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused—Luke's ironic observation: the ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, assembly—the word for 'church') was συγκεχυμένη (sunkechumenē, thoroughly confused). Most participants knew not wherefore they were come together (οὐκ ᾔδεισαν τίνος ἕνεκα συνεληλύθεισαν, ouk ēdeisan tinos heneka sunelēlutheisan). This wasn't reasoned debate but mindless mob action—people shouting without understanding the issue.
Luke's satirical tone is unmistakable: calling this chaos an 'assembly' mocks pretensions to civic order. True ekklēsia (the church) operates by the Spirit with discernment; false ekklēsia (angry mobs) operates by emotion without understanding. The contrast highlights the church's countercultural nature—we gather around truth, not rage; we speak with understanding, not confusion.