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Acts 21:40 Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:
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When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The commander agreed, so Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet. Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he addressed them in their own language, Aramaic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And he having allowed <i>him</i>, Paul, having stood on the stairs, made a sign with the hand to the people. And great silence having taken place, he spoke to <i>them</i> in the Hebrew language, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto <i>them</i> in the Hebrew tongue, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to <i>them</i> in the Hebrew language, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the commander had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, gestured with his hand to the people; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect (Jewish Aramaic), saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After he had given permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was a great hush, he addressed them in Aramaic:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After he had given permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language:”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The commander told him he could speak, so Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people. When they were quiet, he spoke to them in Aramaic: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The officer gave Paul permission to speak. So Paul stood on the stairs of the barracks and motioned with his hand for the people to be quiet. When the mob was silent, Paul spoke to them in the Hebrew language.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The commander gave him permission, so Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand for the people to be silent. When they were quiet, Paul spoke to them in Hebrew: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The tribune gave him permission, and Paul, standing on the steps, motioned for the people to be silent. When everyone had quieted down, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the commanding officer had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and gestured to the people with his hand. When they had become silent, he addressed them in Aramaic, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when he had given him license, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand to the people. And when there was made entire silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was perfect silence he addressed them in Hebrew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he having given him leave, Paul having stood on the stairs, beckoned with the hand to the people, and there having been a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And he having allowed <i>him</i>, Paul, having stood on the stairs, made a sign with the hand to the people. And great silence having taken place, he spoke to <i>them</i> in the Hebrew language, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he having given him leave, Paul having stood upon the stairs, did beckon with the hand to the people, and there having been a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew dialect, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And having given way, Paul standing upon the steps, shook with the hand to the people. And being much silence, he spake in the Hebrew dialect, saying,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when he had given him leave, Paul standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. And a great silence being made, he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned with his hand to the people. And when a great silence occurred, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When he had given his permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people; and when all was quiet he addressed them in Hebrew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people for silence; and when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and beckoned with his hand to them. And when they were quiet, he spoke to them in the Hebrew (Aramaic) tongue and said to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And when he allowed him, Paulus stood on the stairs and was motioning to them with his hand, and when they were quiet he spoke with them in Judean Aramaic, and said to them: <div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing upon the steps, waved his hand to the people. And when there was great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And he permitting, Paul, standing on the threshold, beckoned with his hand to the people: and there being great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />So having his permission, Paul standing on the stairs, waved his hand to the people. And profound silence being obtained, he spake to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Paul then standing upon the stairs made a sign with his hand to the people, who being very silent, he rais'd his voice, and thus address'd them in the Hebrew tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was perfect silence he addressed them in Hebrew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And, when he gave him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people; and, when there was great silence, he spake to them in the Hebrew language, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And when he gave him leave, Paul standing on the stairs made a sign with the hand to the people: and there being a great silence made, He spake to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/21-40.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7330" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/21.htm">Paul Speaks to the People</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">39</span>But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.” <span class="reftext">40</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2010.htm" title="2010: epitrepsantos (V-APA-GMS) -- To turn to, commit, entrust; I allow, yield, permit. From epi and the base of trope; to turn over, i.e. Allow.">Having received permission,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul</a> <a href="/greek/2476.htm" title="2476: hestōs (V-RPA-NMS) -- A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.">stood</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">on</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/304.htm" title="304: anabathmōn (N-GMP) -- From anabaino; a stairway.">steps</a> <a href="/greek/2678.htm" title="2678: kateseisen (V-AIA-3S) -- From kata and seio; to sway downward, i.e. Make a signal.">and motioned</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laō (N-DMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">crowd.</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheiri (N-DFS) -- A hand. "></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollēs (Adj-GFS) -- Much, many; often. ">A great</a> <a href="/greek/4602.htm" title="4602: sigēs (N-GFS) -- Silence. Apparently from sizo; silence.">hush</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genomenēs (V-APM-GFS) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">came over the crowd,</a> <a href="/greek/4377.htm" title="4377: prosephōnēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- From pros and phoneo; to sound towards, i.e. Address, exclaim, summon.">and he addressed them</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1446.htm" title="1446: Hebraidi (Adj-DFS) -- The Hebrew language, or rather: Aramaic. From Eber; the Hebraistic or Jewish language.">Hebrew:</a> <a href="/greek/1258.htm" title="1258: dialektō (N-DFS) -- Language, speech, conversation, manner of speaking. From dialegomai; a discourse, i.e. dialect."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. "></a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1-2</a></span><br />“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” / When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-29.htm">Acts 9:29</a></span><br />He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14</a></span><br />We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-16.htm">Acts 13:16</a></span><br />Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-14.htm">Acts 2:14</a></span><br />Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/19-33.htm">Acts 19:33</a></span><br />The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Acts 17:22</a></span><br />Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/14-11.htm">Acts 14:11-15</a></span><br />When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language: “The gods have come down to us in human form!” / Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. / The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Acts 7:2</a></span><br />And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-12.htm">Acts 3:12</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-8.htm">Acts 4:8-10</a></span><br />Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! / If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, / then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-28.htm">Acts 10:28</a></span><br />He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37</a></span><br />But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/18-19.htm">Acts 18:19</a></span><br />When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1</a></span><br />Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when he had given him license, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand to the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,</p><p class="hdg">on.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/21-35.htm">Acts 21:35</a></b></br> And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/9-13.htm">2 Kings 9:13</a></b></br> Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put <i>it</i> under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king.</p><p class="hdg">and beckoned.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/12-17.htm">Acts 12:17</a></b></br> But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/13-16.htm">Acts 13:16</a></b></br> Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with <i>his</i> hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/19-33.htm">Acts 19:33</a></b></br> And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.</p><p class="hdg">a great.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Acts 22:2</a></b></br> (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)</p><p class="hdg">Hebrew.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1</a></b></br> And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14</a></b></br> And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? <i>it is</i> hard for thee to kick against the pricks.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/23-38.htm">Luke 23:38</a></b></br> And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/21-37.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/acts/19-33.htm">Beckoned</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Commander's</a> <a href="/acts/21-36.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/acts/2-8.htm">Dialect</a> <a href="/acts/18-8.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/acts/21-36.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/21-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/john/20-16.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/mark/4-39.htm">Hush</a> <a href="/acts/18-6.htm">Language</a> <a href="/acts/21-39.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/acts/19-33.htm">Motioned</a> <a href="/acts/21-39.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/john/19-38.htm">Permission</a> <a href="/acts/19-36.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/acts/21-17.htm">Received</a> <a href="/acts/19-33.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/acts/19-33.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/acts/21-35.htm">Stairs</a> <a href="/acts/21-16.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/acts/21-35.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/acts/2-26.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/22-22.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Beckoned</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Commander's</a> <a href="/acts/22-22.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Dialect</a> <a href="/acts/28-30.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/acts/22-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/22-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/amos/6-10.htm">Hush</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Language</a> <a href="/acts/22-18.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Motioned</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Permission</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/acts/22-5.htm">Received</a> <a href="/acts/28-11.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-8.htm">Stairs</a> <a href="/acts/22-13.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/romans/4-12.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/acts/22-13.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-1.htm">Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-13.htm">he will not be dissuaded from going thither.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-17.htm">He comes to Jerusalem;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-27.htm">where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-37.htm">and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people.</a></span><br></div></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'; 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Paul, despite being a prisoner, respects the Roman authority by seeking permission to speak. The Greek word for "permission" (ἐπιτρέπω, epitrepō) implies a granting of authority or allowance. This reflects the Christian principle of respecting governmental authority as seen in <a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1</a>, where believers are encouraged to submit to governing authorities.<p><b>Paul stood on the steps</b><br />The steps here likely refer to the stairs leading from the Antonia Fortress to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Archaeological evidence suggests these steps were a common place for public addresses. Paul's position on the steps symbolizes a place of visibility and authority, reminiscent of Jesus teaching from elevated places, emphasizing the importance of proclaiming the Gospel boldly.<p><b>and motioned to the crowd for silence</b><br />The act of motioning for silence (Greek: κατασείω, kataseiō) is a gesture of authority and control. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, commands the attention of the crowd, demonstrating the power of God to bring order and peace even in chaotic situations. This mirrors the peace that surpasses understanding, as described in <a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Philippians 4:7</a>.<p><b>When a great hush came over them</b><br />The "great hush" signifies a moment of divine intervention where God prepares the hearts of the listeners. The Greek word for "hush" (σιγή, sigē) indicates a profound silence, suggesting a readiness to hear something significant. This silence is reminiscent of the reverence and awe that often precedes a divine revelation, as seen in the Old Testament when God speaks to His people.<p><b>he addressed them in Hebrew</b><br />Paul's choice to speak in Hebrew (or Aramaic, as some scholars suggest) is significant. It shows his deep connection to his Jewish heritage and his desire to communicate effectively with his audience. By speaking in their native tongue, Paul demonstrates respect and a desire to connect on a cultural and spiritual level. This act reflects the Christian mission to meet people where they are, as Paul later writes in <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">1 Corinthians 9:20-22</a>, becoming "all things to all people" to win them to Christ.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(40) <span class= "bld">Paul stood on the stairs.</span>--The position was one which raised him above the people, and the characteristic gesture commanded instant attention. And he spoke, not as they expected in the Greek, which belonged to one who fraternised with Gentiles, but in the Hebrew or Aramaic, which he had studied at the feet of Gamaliel. It was a strange scene for that Feast of Pentecost. The face and form of the speaker may have been seen from time to time by some during his passing visits to Jerusalem, but there must have been many who had not heard him take any part in public action since the day when, twenty-five years before, he had kept the garments of those who were stoning Stephen. And now he was there, accused of the self-same crimes, making his defence before a crowd as wild and frenzied as that of which he had then been the leader.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 40.</span> <span class="accented">- Leave</span> for <span class="accented">license</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">standing</span> for <span class="accented">stood...and</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">language</span> for <span class="accented">tongue.</span> A.V. <span class="cmt_word">The Hebrew language</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the Syro-Chaldaic which was the vernacular of the Hebrew Jews at that time. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/21-40.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Having received permission,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπιτρέψαντος</span> <span class="translit">(epitrepsantos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2010.htm">Strong's 2010: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn to, commit, entrust; I allow, yield, permit. From epi and the base of trope; to turn over, i.e. Allow.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Paul</span><br /><span class="grk">Παῦλος</span> <span class="translit">(Paulos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> </span><span class="str2">Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stood</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑστὼς</span> <span class="translit">(hestōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2476.htm">Strong's 2476: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπὶ</span> <span class="translit">(epi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> </span><span class="str2">On, to, against, on the basis of, at. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">steps</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀναβαθμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(anabathmōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_304.htm">Strong's 304: </a> </span><span class="str2">From anabaino; a stairway.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] motioned</span><br /><span class="grk">κατέσεισεν</span> <span class="translit">(kateseisen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2678.htm">Strong's 2678: </a> </span><span class="str2">From kata and seio; to sway downward, i.e. Make a signal.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">crowd.</span><br /><span class="grk">λαῷ</span> <span class="translit">(laō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apparently a primary word; a people.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">A great</span><br /><span class="grk">πολλῆς</span> <span class="translit">(pollēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many; often. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">hush</span><br /><span class="grk">σιγῆς</span> <span class="translit">(sigēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4602.htm">Strong's 4602: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silence. Apparently from sizo; silence.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came over [the crowd],</span><br /><span class="grk">γενομένης</span> <span class="translit">(genomenēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] he addressed [them]</span><br /><span class="grk">προσεφώνησεν</span> <span class="translit">(prosephōnēsen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4377.htm">Strong's 4377: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pros and phoneo; to sound towards, i.e. Address, exclaim, summon.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">τῇ</span> <span class="translit">(tē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Aramaic:</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἑβραΐδι</span> <span class="translit">(Hebraidi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1446.htm">Strong's 1446: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Hebrew language, or rather: Aramaic. From Eber; the Hebraistic or Jewish language.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/21-40.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 21:40 When he had given him permission Paul (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/21-39.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 21:39"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 21:39" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/22-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 22:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 22:1" /></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="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>