Acts 21:34
New International Version
Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.

New Living Translation
Some shouted one thing and some another. Since he couldn’t find out the truth in all the uproar and confusion, he ordered that Paul be taken to the fortress.

English Standard Version
Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

Berean Standard Bible
Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, and some another. And since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks.

Berean Literal Bible
They were crying out in the crowd one thing, but others another. And he being unable to know the facts on account of the uproar, ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another. So when he could not ascertain the truth because of the tumult, he commanded him to be taken into the barracks.

New American Standard Bible
But among the crowd, some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks.

NASB 1995
But among the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

NASB 1977
But among the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts on account of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

Legacy Standard Bible
But among the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

Amplified Bible
But some in the crowd were shouting one thing and others something else; and since he could not determine the facts because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken to the barracks [in the tower of Antonia].

Christian Standard Bible
Some in the crowd were shouting one thing and some another. Since he was not able to get reliable information because of the uproar, he ordered him to be taken into the barracks.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Some in the mob were shouting one thing and some another. Since he was not able to get reliable information because of the uproar, he ordered him to be taken into the barracks.

American Standard Version
And some shouted one thing, some another, among the crowd: and when he could not know the certainty for the uproar, he commanded him to be brought into the castle.

Contemporary English Version
Part of the crowd shouted one thing, and part of them shouted something else. But they were making so much noise that the commander could not find out a thing. Then he ordered Paul to be taken into the fortress.

English Revised Version
And some shouted one thing, some another, among the crowd: and when he could not know the certainty for the uproar, he commanded him to be brought into the castle.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some of the crowd shouted one thing, while others shouted something else. The officer couldn't get any facts because of the noise and confusion, so he ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks.

Good News Translation
Some in the crowd shouted one thing, others something else. There was such confusion that the commander could not find out exactly what had happened, so he ordered his men to take Paul up into the fort.

International Standard Version
Some of the crowd shouted this and some that. Since the tribune couldn't learn the facts due to the confusion, he ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks.

Majority Standard Bible
Some in the crowd were crying out one thing, and some another. And since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks.

NET Bible
But some in the crowd shouted one thing, and others something else, and when the commanding officer was unable to find out the truth because of the disturbance, he ordered Paul to be brought into the barracks.

New Heart English Bible
Some shouted one thing, and some another, among the crowd. When he could not find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
Some of the crowd shouted one accusation against Paul and some another, until, as the uproar made it impossible for the truth to be ascertained with certainty, the Tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

World English Bible
Some shouted one thing and some another, among the crowd. When he couldn’t find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and some were crying out one thing, and some another, among the multitude, and not being able to know the certainty because of the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the stronghold,

Berean Literal Bible
They were crying out in the crowd one thing, but others another. And he being unable to know the facts on account of the uproar, ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

Young's Literal Translation
and some were crying out one thing, and some another, among the multitude, and not being able to know the certainty because of the tumult, he commanded him to be carried to the castle,

Smith's Literal Translation
And other cried what other in the crowd: and not being able to know certainly for the uproar, he commanded him to be brought into the camp.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then they were crying out various things within the crowd. And since he could not understand anything clearly because of the noise, he ordered him to be brought into the fortress.

New American Bible
Some in the mob shouted one thing, others something else; so, since he was unable to ascertain the truth because of the uproar, he ordered Paul to be brought into the compound.

New Revised Standard Version
Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another; and as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And some of the mob cried against him one thing, some another: and because of their confusion he was unable to know what was true, so he commanded him to be taken to headquarters.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And men from the mob were shouting this and that about him, and because of their shouting, he was unable to know what the truth was, and commanded to bring him to the encampment.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And some in the multitude cried out one thing, and some another. But not being able to obtain any certain knowledge on account of the tumult, he commanded him to be led into the fortress.

Godbey New Testament
And they continued to cry aloud in the multitude, some one thing, and some another: and he, being unable to know the certainty on account of the uproar, commanded that he should be led into the castle.

Haweis New Testament
Then some among the multitude bellowed out one thing, and some another: so unable to know the certainty of the case because of the tumult, he ordered him to be brought into the fortress.

Mace New Testament
in the hubbub some cry'd one thing, some another: so that not being able to get any information for the tumult, he order'd him to be carried to the castle.

Weymouth New Testament
Some of the crowd shouted one accusation against Paul and some another, until, as the uproar made it impossible for the truth to be ascertained with certainty, the Tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

Worrell New Testament
And some shouted one thing, some another, among the crowd; and, when he could not ascertain the certainty because of the tumult, he ordered that he be brought into the castle.

Worsley New Testament
But some in the croud bawled out one thing and some another: and as he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Seized in the Temple
33The commander came up and arrested Paul, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. 34Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, and some another. And since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks. 35When Paul reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.…

Cross References
Acts 19:32
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.

Acts 22:24
the commander ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks. He directed that Paul be flogged and interrogated to determine the reason for this outcry against him.

Acts 23:10
The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.

Acts 24:5-6
We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.

Acts 25:7
When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove.

Acts 26:31
On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.”

Acts 19:29
Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.

Acts 17:5-6
The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. / But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here,

Acts 16:19-22
When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. / They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil / by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” ...

Acts 14:4-5
The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles. / But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them,

Acts 6:12-14
So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

Acts 5:26-27
At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. / They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them.

Acts 4:1-3
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. / They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day.

Acts 3:11-12
While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in the walkway called Solomon’s Colonnade. / And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

Acts 2:6-7
And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. / Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?


Treasury of Scripture

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.

some cried.

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.

know.

Acts 22:30
On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

Acts 25:26
Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

into.

Acts 21:37
And 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?

Acts 22:24
The 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 23:10,16
And 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…

Jump to Previous
Able Account Accusation Army Ascertained Barracks Carried Castle Certainty Commanded Commander Couldn't Cried Crowd Different Find Impossible Learn Multitude Noise Orders Paul Persons Shouted Tribune Truth Tumult Uproar
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Able Account Accusation Army Ascertained Barracks Carried Castle Certainty Commanded Commander Couldn't Cried Crowd Different Find Impossible Learn Multitude Noise Orders Paul Persons Shouted Tribune Truth Tumult Uproar
Acts 21
1. Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.
10. Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem,
13. he will not be dissuaded from going thither.
17. He comes to Jerusalem;
27. where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued;
37. and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people.














Some in the crowd
The phrase "some in the crowd" highlights the chaotic and divided nature of the assembly. In the Greek, "crowd" is "ὄχλος" (ochlos), often used in the New Testament to describe a large, often unruly group of people. This reflects the tumultuous environment in Jerusalem, where diverse opinions and emotions were stirred by Paul's presence. Historically, Jerusalem was a melting pot of religious and cultural tensions, especially during festivals when the city was crowded with pilgrims.

were shouting one thing, and some another
This phrase underscores the confusion and lack of consensus among the people. The Greek word for "shouting" is "κραυγάζω" (kraugazō), which conveys a sense of loud, often disorderly, vocal expression. This reflects the human tendency to react impulsively and emotionally, especially in large groups. The divided shouting indicates a lack of clear understanding or agreement about the situation, reminiscent of the Tower of Babel's confusion (Genesis 11:7-9).

And since the commander
The "commander" here refers to the Roman tribune, "χιλίαρχος" (chiliarchos), who was responsible for maintaining order. This highlights the Roman presence and authority in Jerusalem, a city under Roman occupation. The tribune's role was crucial in preventing riots and ensuring peace, reflecting the political tension between Roman authorities and Jewish inhabitants.

could not determine the facts
The inability to "determine the facts" points to the challenge of discerning truth amidst chaos. The Greek word for "determine" is "γινώσκω" (ginōskō), meaning to know or understand. This reflects the difficulty of ascertaining truth in a world filled with noise and conflicting voices, a challenge that remains relevant today.

because of the uproar
The "uproar" is described by the Greek word "θόρυβος" (thorubos), indicating a tumult or commotion. This reflects the volatile atmosphere in Jerusalem, where religious fervor and political unrest often led to public disturbances. The uproar symbolizes the spiritual and social unrest that can occur when truth is obscured by confusion and conflict.

he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks
The decision to bring Paul into the "barracks" (Greek "παρεμβολή," parembolē) was a protective measure. The barracks, likely the Antonia Fortress, served as a military stronghold adjacent to the temple. This action underscores the Roman commitment to maintaining order and protecting individuals from mob violence. It also highlights God's providential care for Paul, ensuring his safety amidst hostility, reminiscent of God's protection over His servants throughout Scripture.

(34) Some cried one thing, some another.--We note the parallelism with the like confused clamour at Ephesus (Acts 19:32), which is described in exactly the same terms.

He commanded him to be carried into the castle.--The Greek, which literally means encampment, is translated "armies" in Hebrews 11:34. By a transition which reminds us of the connection between the words castrum and castellum, or castle, it came to be applied to a regular structure of stone or brick, such for example, as the Tower Antonia, described in the Note on Acts 21:31.

Verse 34. - Shouted for cried, A.V. and T.R.; crowd for multitude, A.V.; uproar for tumult, A.V.; brought for carried, A.V. The certainty. He could not get at the truth because of the tumult and the different accounts given first by one and then by another. The Greek word τὸ ἀσφαλές, and its kindred ἀσφαλεία ἀσφαλῶς ἀσφαλίζω, and ἐπισφαλής, are of frequent use by St. Luke (Acts 2:36; Acts 5:23; Acts 16:23, 24; Acts 22:30; Acts 25:26; Acts 27:9; Luke 1:4). These words are all very much used by medical writers, and specially the last (ἐπισφαλής), which is used by St. Luke alone in the New Testament. The castle (τὴν παρεμβολήν), "the camp or barracks attached to the tower of Antonia" (Alford); Acts 22:24; Acts 23:10, 16, 32. It means the castle-yard within the fortifications, with whatever buildings were in it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Some] in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd
ὄχλῳ (ochlō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

were shouting
ἐπεφώνουν (epephōnoun)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2019: To call out, shout, clamor at. From epi and phoneo; to call at something, i.e. Exclaim.

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]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

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

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

And [since]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[the commander]
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

could not
δυναμένου (dynamenou)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

determine
γνῶναι (gnōnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

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

facts
ἀσφαλὲς (asphales)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 804: (lit: unfailing), safe, reliable, trustworthy, certain, sure. Secure.

because of
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

uproar,
θόρυβον (thorybon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2351: (a) din, hubbub, confused noise, outcry, (b) riot, disturbance. From the base of throeo; a disturbance.

he ordered that
ἐκέλευσεν (ekeleusen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2753: To command, order, direct, bid. From a primary kello; 'hail'; to incite by word, i.e. Order.

[Paul]
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

be brought
ἄγεσθαι (agesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 71: A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative 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.

barracks.
παρεμβολήν (parembolēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3925: From a compound of para and emballo; a throwing in beside, i.e., battle-array, encampment or barracks.


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NT Apostles: Acts 21:34 Some shouted one thing and some another (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 21:33
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