Acts 19:32
New International Version
The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there.

New Living Translation
Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there.

English Standard Version
Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

Berean Standard Bible
Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there.

Berean Literal Bible
So some indeed were crying out one thing; others another. For the assembly was confused, and most did not know for what cause they were assembled.

King James Bible
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

New King James Version
Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

New American Standard Bible
So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.

NASB 1995
So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.

NASB 1977
So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and the majority did not know for what cause they had come together.

Legacy Standard Bible
So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the meeting was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.

Amplified Bible
Now some shouted one thing and some another, for the gathering was in confusion and most of the people did not know why they had come together.

Christian Standard Bible
Some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

American Standard Version
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

Contemporary English Version
Some of the people in the meeting were shouting one thing, and others were shouting something else. Everyone was completely confused, and most of them did not even know why they were there.

English Revised Version
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some people shouted one thing while others shouted something else. The crowd was confused. Most of the people didn't even know why they had come together.

Good News Translation
Meanwhile the whole meeting was in an uproar: some people were shouting one thing, others were shouting something else, because most of them did not even know why they had come together.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing and some another, since the crowd was confused, and most of them didn't know why they were meeting.

Majority Standard Bible
Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there.

NET Bible
So then some were shouting one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had met together.

New Heart English Bible
Some therefore shouted one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them did not know why they had come together.

Webster's Bible Translation
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not why they had come together.

Weymouth New Testament
The people, meanwhile, kept shouting, some one thing and some another; for the assembly was all uproar and confusion, and the greater part had no idea why they had come together.

World English Bible
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn’t know why they had come together.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Some indeed, therefore, were calling out one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused, and the greater part did not know for what they had come together;

Berean Literal Bible
So some indeed were crying out one thing; others another. For the assembly was confused, and most did not know for what cause they were assembled.

Young's Literal Translation
Some indeed, therefore, were calling out one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused, and the greater part did not know for what they were come together;

Smith's Literal Translation
Others truly cried some other things: for the church was confused; and the most knew not for what they had come together.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now some cried one thing, some another. For the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what cause they were come together.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But others were crying out various things. For the assembly was in confusion, and most did not know the reason they had been called together.

New American Bible
Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing, others something else; the assembly was in chaos, and most of the people had no idea why they had come together.

New Revised Standard Version
Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now the multitude in the theatre was greatly confused; some cried one thing, and some another; and many of them did not know why they had assembled together.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the crowds that were in the theater were very chaotic and they were shouting to each other, but many of them did not know why they had assembled.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what they had come together.

Godbey New Testament
Then indeed they continued to cry out some one thing, and some another: for the church was confused; and the most of them did not know on account of what they had come together.

Haweis New Testament
So they were crying out some one thing and some another: for the assembly was a scene of confusion, and the greater part knew not on what account they were collected together.

Mace New Testament
there the mob were in the utmost riot, some bawling out in one cry, some in another, and the greatest part at a loss to know why they were met.

Weymouth New Testament
The people, meanwhile, kept shouting, some one thing and some another; for the assembly was all uproar and confusion, and the greater part had no idea why they had come together.

Worrell New Testament
Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another; for the assembly had become confused, and the greater part knew not for what cause they had come together.

Worsley New Testament
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part did not know for what they were come together.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Riot in Ephesus
31Even some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre. 32Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there. 33The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.

James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.

1 Corinthians 14:23
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?

1 Corinthians 14:26
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

1 Corinthians 11:17-18
In the following instructions I have no praise to offer, because your gatherings do more harm than good. / First of all, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.

1 Corinthians 1:10-11
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. / My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.

2 Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.

Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing,

Philippians 4:2
I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.

Romans 16:17
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

Proverbs 26:20
Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.

Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ...


Treasury of Scripture

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not why they were come together.

cried.

Acts 19:29
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

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.

and the.

Acts 19:40
For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

Matthew 11:7-9
And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? …

Luke 7:24-26
And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? …

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Assembly Cause Confused Confusion Cried Different Greater Idea Indeed Kept Majority Meanwhile Meeting Order Part Shouting Together Uproar Wherefore
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Assembly Cause Confused Confusion Cried Different Greater Idea Indeed Kept Majority Meanwhile Meeting Order Part Shouting Together Uproar Wherefore
Acts 19
1. The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.
8. The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.
13. The Jewish exorcists,
16. are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.
19. Conjuring books are burnt.
21. Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;
35. which is appeased by the town clerk.














Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil.
The term "assembly" refers to a gathering of people, often used in the context of a civic or public meeting. In Acts 19, this assembly took place in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The turmoil arose due to the impact of Paul's ministry, which threatened the local economy tied to the worship of Artemis. This reflects the tension between the spread of Christianity and established pagan practices. The word "turmoil" indicates confusion and disorder, highlighting the chaotic nature of the gathering, reminiscent of other biblical instances where crowds were stirred up, such as during Jesus' trial (Mark 15:11-15).

Some were shouting one thing and some another,
This phrase illustrates the confusion and lack of unity among the crowd. The shouting signifies a lack of clear leadership or purpose, a common occurrence in mob situations. This mirrors the chaotic scenes in other parts of Scripture, such as the confusion at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:7-9), where a lack of understanding led to division. The shouting also reflects the spiritual blindness and confusion that can occur when people are led by emotions rather than truth.

and most of them did not even know why they were there.
This highlights the irrationality and impulsiveness of the crowd, driven by emotion rather than reason. It underscores the influence of mob mentality, where individuals act without understanding the cause or purpose. This can be compared to the crowd's behavior during Jesus' crucifixion, where many were swayed by the chief priests and elders without fully understanding the implications (Matthew 27:20-23). The phrase serves as a caution against being swept up in collective hysteria without discernment or knowledge.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Assembly
This refers to the crowd gathered in Ephesus, a city known for its temple to the goddess Artemis. The assembly was a mix of people, including craftsmen and other citizens, who were stirred up by Demetrius, a silversmith.

2. Ephesus
A major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its large temple dedicated to Artemis. It was a center of commerce and religion, making it a significant location for Paul's missionary work.

3. Demetrius
A silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis. He incited the crowd against Paul and his companions because their teachings were threatening his trade.

4. Paul
The apostle who was spreading the Gospel in Ephesus. His teachings were causing a significant shift in religious beliefs, impacting local economies tied to idol worship.

5. Confusion
The state of the assembly, highlighting the chaos and lack of understanding among the people gathered. This confusion was a result of conflicting interests and misinformation.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Misinformation
The confusion in Ephesus serves as a reminder of how misinformation can lead to chaos. As Christians, we must seek truth and clarity, especially in matters of faith.

The Influence of Self-Interest
Demetrius' actions were driven by economic self-interest, showing how personal gain can lead to conflict and disorder. We should examine our motives and ensure they align with God's will.

The Power of the Gospel
Despite the chaos, the Gospel's transformative power was evident in Ephesus. We should be encouraged that God's truth can prevail even in the midst of confusion.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The assembly's lack of unity contrasts with the unity that should characterize the body of Christ. We are called to be united in purpose and understanding.

Responding to Opposition
Paul's experience in Ephesus teaches us how to respond to opposition with faith and perseverance, trusting in God's plan and purpose.(32) Some therefore cried one thing, and some another.--Better, kept on crying. The graphic character of the whole narrative makes it almost certain that it must have come from an eye-witness, or possibly from more than one. Aristarchus or Gaius, who travelled to Jerusalem with St. Luke (Luke 20:4), and were with him also at Rome, may have told him the whole tale of the scene in which they had borne so prominent a part. Possibly, also, following up the hint thrown out in the Note on Acts 19:12, we may think of Tyrannus as having written a report of the tumult to St. Luke. The two conjunctions translated "therefore" (better, then) seem to carry the narrative back to what was passing in the theatre, after the parenthetical account of what had been going on between the Apostle, the disciples, and the Asiarchs outside it.

For the assembly was confused.--It is not without interest to note that the Greek word for assembly is the ecclesia, with which we are so familiar as applied to the Church of Christ. Strictly speaking, as the town-clerk is careful to point out (Acts 19:39), this mob gathering was not an ecclesia, but the word had come to be used vaguely.

Verse 32. - In confusion for confused, A.V. (συγκεχυμένη: comp. συγχύσεως, ver. 29). The more part, etc. A graphic picture of an excited mob led by interested and designing agitators.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Meanwhile
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

assembly
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in turmoil.
συγκεχυμένη (synkechymenē)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4797: Or sugchuno from sun and cheo or its alternate; to commingle promiscuously, i.e. to throw into disorder, to perplex.

Some
ἄλλο (allo)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

were shouting
ἔκραζον (ekrazon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2896: To cry aloud, shriek. A primary verb; properly, to 'croak' or scream, i.e. to call aloud.

one thing
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

[and some another],
Ἄλλοι (Alloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

most [of them]
πλείους (pleious)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural - Comparative
Strong's 4119: Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.

did not [even] know
ᾔδεισαν (ēdeisan)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

why
τίνος (tinos)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

they were there.
συνεληλύθεισαν (synelēlytheisan)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4905: From sun and erchomai; to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or, cohabit.


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NT Apostles: Acts 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing and some (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 19:31
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