Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

ACTS 19:36KJV
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Acts 19:36 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:36 mean?

Acts 19:36 urges the listeners to remain calm and avoid making any hasty decisions, since the facts being discussed are undeniable. The speaker is telling the crowd that, given these truths, they should not act impulsively or cause unnecessary trouble.

In this scene, a city official in Ephesus is addressing a crowd that has become upset over Paul’s teachings, which they believe threaten their worship of the goddess Artemis. The official points out that Artemis’s reputation is secure and that there is no need for rash actions. The verse highlights the importance of reason and restraint in the face of strong emotions or public unrest.

The Greek behind Acts 19:36

  • ἡσυχάζειν (hēsychazein, "be quiet"): This Greek word means more than just being silent; it suggests being calm, settled, and not stirring up trouble. The official is calling for a peaceful attitude, not just the absence of noise.
  • προπετές (propetēs, "rashly"): This word carries the idea of acting without careful thought, being reckless or impulsive. The warning is against making decisions or taking actions that are not well considered.

Why Acts 19:36 matters

  • Acts 19:36 helps clear up that the official is not siding with Paul but is trying to keep public order by appealing to reason and established facts.
  • The verse emphasizes the value of calmness and careful judgment, especially in tense or emotional situations.
  • This moment connects to the larger story in Acts 19, where public reaction to new ideas about faith could easily turn violent, and shows how civic leaders sometimes stepped in to prevent chaos.

Where else these words appear

“quiet” Greek G2687 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 19:35 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?

“rashly” Greek G4312 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

“do” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

“be” Greek G5225 · used in 47 verses

  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
  • Acts 10:12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.