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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Bystanders</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/b/bystanders.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/26-71.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/b/bystanders.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Bystanders</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/b/bystander.htm" title="Bystander">◄</a> Bystanders <a href="/topical/b/bystanders_crowd.htm" title="Bystanders/Crowd">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of the Bible, bystanders are individuals who are present at significant events or moments but are not directly involved in the action or decision-making. Their presence often serves to witness, react, or provide commentary on the unfolding events. The role of bystanders can be seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments, where they often serve as a reflection of public opinion or societal norms.<br><br><b>Old Testament Examples</b><br><br>1. <b>David and Goliath</b>: In <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">1 Samuel 17</a>, the Israelite army, including King Saul, can be seen as bystanders during David's confrontation with Goliath. While they were initially paralyzed by fear, David's faith and courage inspired them to rally and pursue the Philistines after Goliath's defeat.<br><br>2. <b>Elijah on Mount Carmel</b>: In <a href="/bsb/1_kings/18.htm">1 Kings 18</a>, the people of Israel are bystanders during the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Their initial silence and indecision highlight their spiritual wavering, but they ultimately acknowledge the LORD as God after witnessing the miraculous fire from heaven.<br><br><b>New Testament Examples</b><br><br>1. <b>The Crucifixion of Jesus</b>: The Gospels provide several accounts of bystanders at the crucifixion of Jesus. In <a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">Matthew 27:39-40</a> , it is written, "And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, 'You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!'" These bystanders mock Jesus, reflecting the scorn and disbelief of many in the crowd.<br><br>2. <b>The Healing of the Paralytic</b>: In <a href="/mark/2.htm">Mark 2:1-12</a>, bystanders are present when Jesus heals a paralytic man. The crowd's reaction is one of amazement and glorification of God, as noted in <a href="/mark/2-12.htm">Mark 2:12</a> : "And immediately the man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of them all. As a result, they were all astounded and glorified God, saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!'"<br><br>3. <b>Pentecost</b>: In <a href="/bsb/acts/2.htm">Acts 2</a>, bystanders witness the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. Their reactions vary from amazement to skepticism, as some accuse the apostles of being drunk. This event marks a pivotal moment in the early Church, as Peter addresses the crowd, leading to the conversion of about three thousand souls.<br><br><b>Role and Significance</b><br><br>Bystanders in biblical narratives often serve as a barometer of public sentiment and societal values. Their reactions can range from skepticism and mockery to awe and belief. In many instances, bystanders are transformed from passive observers to active participants in God's unfolding plan, as seen in the conversion of many on the day of Pentecost.<br><br>The presence of bystanders also underscores the public nature of many biblical events, emphasizing that God's works and messages are not confined to private or hidden settings but are often displayed openly for all to witness. This public aspect serves to validate the events and messages, providing a broader context for understanding God's interaction with humanity.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/2476.htm"><span class="l">2476. histemi -- to make to stand, to stand</span></a> <br><b>...</b> root sta- Definition to make to stand, to stand NASB Word Usage brought (1), <b>bystanders</b><br> (1), <b>bystanders</b>* (1), came (1), came to a halt (1), come (1), confirmed <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2476.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 11k</font><p><a href="/greek/1563.htm"><span class="l">1563. ekei -- there, by ext. to there</span></a> <br><b>...</b> to there NASB Word Usage <b>bystanders</b>* (1), case (1), city (1), nearby (1), over there<br> (1), place (2), place there (4), there (84). there, to yonder place. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1563.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/3936.htm"><span class="l">3936. paristemi -- to place beside, to present, stand by, appear</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Word Origin from para and histemi Definition to place beside, to present, stand<br> by, appear NASB Word Usage <b>bystanders</b> (5), come (1), commend (1), help (1 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3936.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 9k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/emmerich/the_dolorous_passion_of_our_lord_jesus_christ/chapter_x_the_denial_of.htm"><span class="l">The Denial of St. Peter</span></a> <br><b>...</b> had done to him. Peter was silent, but his silence and dejected demeanour<br> made the <b>bystanders</b> suspect something. The portress came <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter x the denial of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/emmerich/the_dolorous_passion_of_our_lord_jesus_christ/chapter_xlv_fifth_sixth_and.htm"><span class="l">Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> several other things, but I only remember these words: 'When my voice shall be silent,<br> the mouths of the dead shall be opened.' Some of the <b>bystanders</b> cried out <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlv fifth sixth and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/athanasius/select_works_and_letters_or_athanasius/life_of_antony_section_81.htm"><span class="l">And the Fame of Antony came Even unto Kings. ...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Then after a time, having turned to the <b>bystanders</b> with groans and trembling,<br> he prayed, and falling on his knees remained so a long time. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 81.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chadwick/the_gospel_of_st_mark/chapter_5_21-43_cont_with_jairus.htm"><span class="l">Cont. With Jairus Cont.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> New Testament (Matt.18:17, twice). In every case some co-operation was<br> expected from the <b>bystanders</b>. The bearers of the widow's <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 21-43 cont with jairus.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/our_lords_sermon_on_the_mount/chapter_xx_2.htm"><span class="l">Chapter xx.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> make a statement which they saw to be against themselves, and yet would not venture<br> to say anything bad about John, on account of the <b>bystanders</b>, "Neither tell <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xx 2.htm</font><p><a href="/library/emmerich/the_dolorous_passion_of_our_lord_jesus_christ/chapter_xliv_the_fear_felt.htm"><span class="l">The Fear Felt by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> as the darkness increased, every sound ceased, each voice was hushed, and remorse<br> and terror took possession of every heart, while the <b>bystanders</b> retired one <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xliv the fear felt.htm</font><p><a href="/library/macdonald/miracles_of_our_lord/iii_the_cure_of_simons.htm"><span class="l">The Cure of Simon's Wife's Mother.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Neither do I wish to look at it from the point of view of the <b>bystanders</b>, although<br> it would appear that we had the testimony of three of them in the three <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/iii the cure of simons.htm</font><p><a href="/library/whiton/miracles_and_supernatural_religion/iii_synopsis_arbitrary_criticism_of_the.htm"><span class="l">Synopsis. --Arbitrary Criticism of the Biblical Narratives of the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> considerations favoring it: 1. The real interests of Christianity secure."2. The<br> miracle as a work of mercy."3. Incompetency of the <b>bystanders</b>' opinion."4 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../miracles and supernatural religion/iii synopsis arbitrary criticism of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/at_last/chapter_xv_the_racesa_letter.htm"><span class="l">The Races --A Letter</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Negresses, I am sorry to say, forgot themselves, kicked up their legs,<br> shouted to the <b>bystanders</b>, and were altogether incondite. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xv the racesa letter.htm</font><p><a href="/library/robertson/sermons_preached_at_brighton/ix_sensual_and_spiritual_excitement.htm"><span class="l">Sensual and Spiritual Excitement.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> They were full of the Spirit, and mocking <b>bystanders</b> said, "These men are full of<br> new wine;" for they found themselves elevated into the ecstasy of a life <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/ix sensual and spiritual excitement.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/b/bystanders.htm"><span class="l"><b>Bystanders</b> (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Bystanders</b> (9 Occurrences). <b>...</b> Matthew 27:47 "The man is<br> calling for Elijah," said some of the <b>bystanders</b>. (WEY RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bystanders.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/punishments.htm"><span class="l">Punishments (31 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> of whom there were at least two, were required to cast the first stone (Deuteronomy<br> 13:9 John 8:7). If these failed to cause death, the <b>bystanders</b> proceeded to <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/punishments.htm - 36k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/listen.htm"><span class="l">Listen (441 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> against you." (WEY). Mark 15:35 Some of the <b>bystanders</b>, hearing Him, said,<br> "Listen, he is calling for Elijah!" (WEY NIV). Luke 8:8 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/listen.htm - 34k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/foal.htm"><span class="l">Foal (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> bring him here. (WEY). Mark 11:5 when some of the <b>bystanders</b> called out,<br> "What are you doing, untying the foal?" (WEY). Mark 11:7 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/foal.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/repeatedly.htm"><span class="l">Repeatedly (28 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> it. Soon afterwards the <b>bystanders</b> again accused Peter, saying, "You are<br> surely one of them, for you too are a Galilaean." (WEY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/repeatedly.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/byway.htm"><span class="l">Byway</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/byway.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/byssus-workers.htm"><span class="l">Byssus-workers (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Byssus-workers. Byssus, Byssus-workers. <b>Bystanders</b> . Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b> <br> Byssus, Byssus-workers. <b>Bystanders</b> . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/byssus-workers.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/accused.htm"><span class="l">Accused (29 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> it. Soon afterwards the <b>bystanders</b> again accused Peter, saying, "You are<br> surely one of them, for you too are a Galilaean." (WEY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/accused.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/afterwards.htm"><span class="l">Afterwards (143 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> it. Soon afterwards the <b>bystanders</b> again accused Peter, saying, "You are<br> surely one of them, for you too are a Galilaean." (WEY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/afterwards.htm - 36k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/ruth.htm"><span class="l">Ruth (19 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> in favor of Boaz according to ancient custom in Israel (Ruth 4:6). Boaz accepted<br> the charge thus transferred to him, the elders and <b>bystanders</b> bearing witness <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/ruth.htm - 26k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-ten-minas.html">What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-rioting.html">What does the Bible say about rioting? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Bystanders (9 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/26-71.htm">Matthew 26:71</a></span><br />When he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him, and said to those who were there, "This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth."<br /><span class="source">(See RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/26-73.htm">Matthew 26:73</a></span><br />After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, "Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known."<br /><span class="source">(See NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/27-47.htm">Matthew 27:47</a></span><br />"The man is calling for Elijah," said some of the <span class="boldtext">bystanders</span>.<br /><span class="source">(WEY RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/11-5.htm">Mark 11:5</a></span><br />when some of the <span class="boldtext">bystanders</span> called out, "What are you doing, untying the foal?"<br /><span class="source">(WEY NAS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/14-69.htm">Mark 14:69</a></span><br />The maid saw him, and began again to tell those who stood by, "This is one of them."<br /><span class="source">(See NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/14-70.htm">Mark 14:70</a></span><br />A second time he repeatedly denied it. Soon afterwards the <span class="boldtext">bystanders</span> again accused Peter, saying, "You are surely one of them, for you too are a Galilaean."<br /><span class="source">(WEY NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/15-35.htm">Mark 15:35</a></span><br />Some of the <span class="boldtext">bystanders</span>, hearing Him, said, "Listen, he is calling for Elijah!"<br /><span class="source">(WEY NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/19-24.htm">Luke 19:24</a></span><br />He said to those who stood by,'Take the mina away from him, and give it to him who has the ten minas.'<br /><span class="source">(See NAS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/23-4.htm">Acts 23:4</a></span><br />Those who stood by said, "Do you malign God's high priest?"<br /><span class="source">(See NAS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/bystanders.htm">Bystanders</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bystanders.htm">Bystanders (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/byways.htm">Byways (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bypaths.htm">Bypaths (1 Occurrence)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/b/bystander.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Bystander"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Bystander" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/b/bystanders_crowd.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Bystanders/Crowd"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Bystanders/Crowd" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>