What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

ACTS 21:22KJV
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Acts 21:22 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:22 mean?

Acts 21:22 is asking what should be done, since a large group of people will definitely gather because they will hear that Paul has arrived. The verse highlights the concern that Paul's presence in Jerusalem will quickly become known and attract attention from the local believers.

In this scene, the leaders of the Jerusalem church are speaking to Paul. They are worried about the reaction of the Jewish believers, who have heard rumors about Paul’s teachings. The verse shows their expectation that news of Paul’s arrival will spread fast, making it necessary to address the situation openly and wisely.

The Greek behind Acts 21:22

  • The word "multitude" (πλῆθος, plēthos) refers to a large crowd or group, emphasizing that many people will be involved and that this is not a private matter.
  • The phrase "must needs" (πάντως δεῖ, pantōs dei) combines a word meaning "certainly" or "inevitably" with a word for "it is necessary," stressing that the gathering is unavoidable.
  • The verb "come together" (συνέρχομαι, synerchomai) means to assemble or gather, showing that the people will physically come together in response to the news.

Why Acts 21:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies the urgency and inevitability of the situation Paul faces in Jerusalem, showing that the leaders cannot ignore the concerns of the local believers.
  • Acts 21:22 sets up the tension in the following verses, where the leaders propose a plan to help Paul address misunderstandings about his ministry.
  • The verse helps readers see the challenges of early church unity, especially when cultural and religious backgrounds led to misunderstandings among believers.

Where else these words appear

“needs” Greek G3843 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
  • Acts 28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

“multitude” Greek G4128 · used in 32 verses

  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
  • Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

“together” Greek G4905 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
  • Acts 21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

“must” Greek G1163 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.