Acts 21:40 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:40 mean?

Acts 21:40 shows Paul taking an opportunity to address the crowd after a Roman commander gives him permission to speak. Paul signals for their attention, waits for silence, and begins speaking in the language the KJV calls “the Hebrew tongue.”

The stairs give Paul a place above the people gathered below. The quiet marks a change in the scene: the crowd that had been in an uproar can now hear what Paul has to say.

The Greek behind Acts 21:40

• “given him licence” — ἐπιτρέπω (epitrepō): The Greek carries the sense of granting permission. In the KJV, “licence” means permission, not a document or an official permit.
• “beckoned” — κατασείω (kataseiō): The word describes a gesture made to attract attention. Paul’s hand signal prepares the crowd to listen before he begins speaking.
• “Hebrew” — Ἑβραΐς (Hebrais): The Greek refers to a Hebrew language or manner of speech. In this setting, it is often understood to refer to Aramaic, a language commonly spoken by Jews in the region.

Why Acts 21:40 matters

• Paul’s speech comes with the commander’s permission. Verse 39 records Paul’s request, and verse 40 shows that the commander grants it.
• The crowd’s silence allows Paul to speak for himself. His words begin in Acts 22:1, where he addresses the people as “brethren, and fathers.”
• Paul’s choice of language matters to the scene. Acts 22:2 says that when the listeners heard him speak in the Hebrew tongue, they became even quieter.