Acts 21:40 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:40 mean?

Acts 21:40 describes how Paul was given permission to speak to the crowd from the stairs, and after signaling for their attention, he addressed them in the Hebrew language. This verse shows Paul preparing to speak directly to his fellow Jews in Jerusalem after a tense situation.

Paul is standing on the stairs outside the Roman barracks, having just been arrested by Roman soldiers to protect him from an angry mob. The Roman commander allows Paul to address the crowd, and Paul gestures with his hand to quiet them. Once the crowd becomes silent, Paul begins to speak in Hebrew, which would have caught the attention of the Jewish audience and signaled that he was one of them.

The Greek behind Acts 21:40

• ἐπέτρεψεν (epetrepsen, "given licence"): This word means to permit or allow. The Roman commander is giving Paul official permission to speak, which is significant because it shows Paul’s status and the seriousness of the situation.
• τῇ Ἑβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ (tē Hebraidi dialektō, "in the Hebrew tongue"): This phrase means Paul spoke in the Hebrew (likely Aramaic) language. This detail matters because it shows Paul’s intent to connect with the Jewish crowd in their own language, making his message more personal and relatable.
• κατασείσας τῇ χειρί (kataseisas tē cheiri, "beckoned with the hand"): This means Paul motioned with his hand to get the crowd’s attention. It’s a common gesture for requesting silence and attention before speaking in public settings.

Why Acts 21:40 matters

• Acts 21:40 clears up that Paul was not trying to escape or avoid the crowd but wanted to speak directly to them, showing courage and respect.
• The verse emphasizes Paul’s identity as a Jew, speaking in their native language, which sets the stage for his defense and testimony in the next chapter.
• This moment connects to the wider story by showing the tension between Paul and the Jewish leaders, as well as the role of Roman authority in protecting him and allowing him to speak.