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Acts 19:34

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 19:34 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
Acts 19:34 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
31And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theatre.
32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
33And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defense unto the people.
34But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
35And when the townclerk had quieted the multitude, he saith, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana, and of the [image] which fell down from Jupiter?
36Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.
37For ye have brought [hither] these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.
← Acts 19:33Acts 19:35 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when they knew that he was a Jew, etc.] And so equally an enemy to their idolatry, as Paul and his companions were, whether he was a Christian or not. All with one voice about the space of two hours cried out; all that were in the theatre lift up their voices at once to prevent Alexander’s apology, or at least its being heard; and which they continued about two hours, which was a long time to keep hallooing out, great is Diana of the Ephesians; (see Gill on “<441928>Acts 19:28”).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But when they knew he was a Jew, all with one voice, for the space of two hours, cried out, Great is Diana, &c.--The very appearance of a Jew had the opposite effect to that intended. To prevent him obtaining a hearing, they drowned his voice in one tumultuous shout in honor of their goddess, which rose to such frantic enthusiasm as took two hours to exhaust itself.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But when they knew - When they perceived or ascertained. That he was a Jew - There was a general prejudice against the Jews. They were disposed to charge the whole difficulty on Jews - esteeming Christians to be but a sect of the Jews. They were, therefore, indiscriminate in their wrath, and unwilling to listen to any defense. With one voice - Unitedly, in one continued shout and clamor. About the space of two hours - The day, from sunrise to sunset, among the Greeks and Romans, was divided into twelve equal parts, John 11:9. An hour, therefore, did not differ materially from an hour with us. It is not at all improbable that the tumult would continue for so long a time, before it would be…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when they knew that he was a Jew - And consequently an enemy to their worship of images; they prevented him, by crying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Acts 19:35”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they knew: Act 19:26, Act 16:20; Rom 2:22 all: Kg1 18:26; Mat 6:7 Great: Act 19:28; Rev 13:4 Acts 19:35”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification