And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

ACTS 19:35KJV
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Acts 19:35 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:35 mean?

Acts 19:35 describes how the town clerk of Ephesus calmed an angry crowd by reminding them that everyone knows Ephesus is famous for worshipping the goddess Diana and for possessing a sacred image said to have fallen from Jupiter. The official appeals to the city's well-known religious status to restore order and reason with the people.

The speaker here is the "townclerk," a leading civic official in Ephesus, addressing a crowd stirred up over concerns about the Christian message undermining their traditional worship. By emphasizing the city's established reputation as devoted to Diana (the Greek goddess Artemis) and the legendary origin of her image, the official tries to defuse the mob's fears and prevent rash actions.

The Greek behind Acts 19:35

  • "townclerk" (γραμματεύς, grammateus): This word refers to a high-ranking city official, not just a secretary, showing the authority behind the speech.
  • "worshipper" (νεωκόρος, neōkoros): This term means "temple-keeper" or "guardian of the temple," highlighting Ephesus's pride in being the official caretaker of Diana's temple, not just casual worshippers.
  • "Diana" (Ἄρτεμις, Artemis): The Greek name is Artemis, but the KJV uses the Roman name Diana. This shows the blending of Greek and Roman religious ideas in the city.
  • "Jupiter" (Διός, Dios): This is the Greek name for Zeus, but the KJV uses the Roman name Jupiter. The phrase refers to the belief that the idol had a divine, heavenly origin, making it especially sacred.

Why Acts 19:35 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the civic and religious pride of Ephesus, showing why the crowd reacted so strongly to perceived threats against their goddess.
  • The town clerk's speech reveals how deeply the worship of Artemis/Diana was woven into the city's identity, both culturally and economically.
  • Understanding this context explains the tension between early Christians and the established religious order, and why the authorities tried to keep the peace by appealing to shared beliefs rather than force.

Where else these words appear

“appeased” Greek G2687 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

“goddess” Greek G2299 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
  • Acts 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

“Diana” Greek G735 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
  • Acts 19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
  • Acts 19:28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

“Ephesus” Greek G2180 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 19:28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
  • Acts 19:34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
  • Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.