Acts 21:34
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.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλῳ
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλῳ
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
8 of 23
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γνῶναι
know
G1097
γνῶναι
know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
12 of 23
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
15 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγεσθαι
to be carried
G71
ἄγεσθαι
to be carried
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 23
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Acts 23:10And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.Acts 19:32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.Acts 23:16And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.Acts 22:24The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.Acts 21:37And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when falsely accused or when truth is drowned out by emotional crowds?
- What does God's use of Roman legal protection teach about His providential care through imperfect institutions?
Analysis & 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.