Acts 21:36
For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
Original Language Analysis
ἠκολούθει
followed after
G190
ἠκολούθει
followed after
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλῆθος
the multitude
G4128
πλῆθος
the multitude
Strong's:
G4128
Word #:
4 of 9
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ
of the people
G2992
λαοῦ
of the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
6 of 9
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
κρᾶζον
crying
G2896
κρᾶζον
crying
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
Cross References
John 19:15But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.Acts 22:22And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.Luke 23:18And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:Acts 7:54When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.1 Corinthians 4:13Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
Historical Context
This cry represented the formal demand for execution in Roman judicial proceedings. The crowd's use of this specific phrase reveals their intent wasn't merely to punish but to kill Paul.
Questions for Reflection
- How does experiencing opposition similar to Christ's help you identify with His sufferings?
- What comfort comes from knowing your persecution connects you to the larger story of opposition to God's truth?
Analysis & Commentary
The cry 'Away with him' (Greek 'Aire auton') echoed the mob's demand for Jesus's crucifixion (Luke 23:18, John 19:15), showing Paul's identification with his Savior's sufferings. The violent mob mentality that condemned the sinless Son of God now sought the life of His faithful apostle, demonstrating the continuity of opposition to God's truth across generations.