(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

ACTS 17:21KJV
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Acts 17:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:21 mean?

Acts 17:21 describes Athens as a place where people were eager to exchange the latest ideas. The writer presents this interest as part of the setting in which Paul’s listeners encounter his teaching.

The sentence is a comment by the narrator of Acts, rather than part of Paul’s speech. It follows the Athenians’ request to hear more about the ideas Paul had been presenting.

The Greek behind Acts 17:21

  • “strangers” — ξένοι (xenoi): The word can mean foreigners or people from elsewhere. Here it includes visitors and residents from outside Athens alongside the Athenians.
  • “time” — εὐκαιρέω (eukaireō): This word carries the sense of having leisure or spending time on an activity. It helps picture the exchange of ideas as a regular use of available time.
  • “thing” — καινότερον (kainoteron): This form carries the sense of something newer or more novel. The phrase “some new thing” points to an interest in the latest novelty.

Why Acts 17:21 matters

  • The narrator’s description helps explain the hearing Paul receives. The interest in “some new thing” comes just after the listeners ask him about his teaching.
  • The wording paints a broad picture rather than giving a count of each person’s activities. “All” and “nothing else” express the narrator’s strong impression of the people gathered there.
  • The group was not limited to citizens of Athens. The verse includes “strangers which were there,” showing that people from elsewhere shared in the city’s exchange of ideas.

Where else these words appear

“Athenians” Greek G117 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

“there” Greek G1927 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

“time” Greek G2119 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

“strangers” Greek G3581 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
  • Matthew 27:7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
  • Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;