Lexical Summary agoraios: Marketplace; pertaining to the marketplace Original Word: ἀγοραῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance the marketplaceFrom agora; relating to the market-place, i.e. Forensic (times); by implication, vulgar -- baser sort, low. see GREEK agora NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom agora Definition pertaining to the marketplace, an agitator NASB Translation courts (1), market place (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 60: ἀγοραῖοςἀγοραῖος (rarely ), (ἀγορά), relating to the marketplace; 1. frequenting the market-place (either transacting business, as the κάπηλοί, or) sauntering idly (Latinsubrostranus,subbasilicanus, German Pfiastertreter, our loafer): Acts 17:5 (Plato, Prot. 347 c. ἀγοραῖοι καί φαῦλοι, Aristophanes ran. 1015, others). 2. of affairs usually transacted in the marketplace: ἀγοραῖοι (namely, ἡμέραι (Winer's Grammar, 590 (549)) or σύνοδοι (Meyer and others)) ἄγονται, judicial days or assemblies (A. V. marginal reading court-days), Acts 19:38 (τὰς ἀγοραίους ποιεῖσθαι, Strabo 13, p. 932), but many think we ought to read ἀγοραῖοι here, so G L cf. Winers Grammar, 53 (52); but see (Alford and Tdf. at the passage; Lipsius, Gram. Untersuch., p. 26;) Meyer on Acts 17:5; Göttling, p. 297; (Chandler edition 1, p. 269). The word translated “men from the marketplace” or “court days” (Strong’s Greek 60) appears twice in the New Testament. Both contexts involve public agitation against the advance of the gospel. Although literally linked to the city square, the term carries the figurative idea of loafers or opportunists who could be stirred into mob action. Occurrences in Scripture • Acts 17:5 – In Thessalonica, jealous synagogue leaders “recruited some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and set the city in an uproar.” Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman cities the agora was a multifunctional hub: a marketplace, civic center, and unofficial gathering spot for idle men ready to discuss—or disturb—public affairs. Philosophers debated there (Acts 17:17); magistrates convened tribunals; day laborers waited for work. Because these spaces attracted unemployed or restless individuals, the term developed a negative nuance describing troublemakers available for hire. Ancient writers such as Aristophanes and Demosthenes use similar language for “rabble,” confirming Luke’s precise choice of vocabulary. Theological Implications 1. Opposition to the gospel often exploits social fault lines. In Thessalonica, religious jealousy tapped the city’s volatile underclass. Ministry Principles • Expect resistance from unpredictable quarters. Evangelism engages every stratum of society, including those easily manipulated by persuasive voices. Related Biblical Themes Worthless men gathered to oppose Gideon (Judges 9:4) and Saul (1 Samuel 10:27); likewise, “certain wicked men” provoked rebellion in Deuteronomy 13:13. Acts 6:12 and Acts 14:19 record similar mob tactics. Scripture consistently warns against joining a crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2) and portrays mobs as instruments of spiritual opposition (Mark 15:11). Conclusion Strong’s Greek 60 highlights how public spaces can be commandeered by hostile forces, yet the Lord sovereignly advances His word through and sometimes in spite of such hostility. The gospel’s messengers must be prepared both to face marketplace mobs and to make the most of marketplace opportunities, trusting Christ to turn public tumult into platforms for truth. Englishman's Concordance Acts 17:5 Adj-GMPGRK: προσλαβόμενοι τῶν ἀγοραίων ἄνδρας τινὰς NAS: men from the market place, formed a mob KJV: fellows of the baser sort, and INT: having taken to [them] of the market-loungers men certain Acts 19:38 Adj-NMP Strong's Greek 60 |
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