And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

ACTS 22:23KJV
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Acts 22:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:23 mean?

Acts 22:23 describes a chaotic scene where a crowd, in a fit of anger, shouts loudly, throws off their garments, and tosses dust into the air. This verse shows the intense hostility of the people toward Paul as he speaks to them in Jerusalem.

In this moment, Paul is addressing a Jewish crowd after being arrested at the temple. The crowd’s actions—crying out, flinging off their clothes, and throwing dust—were dramatic signs of outrage and protest in the ancient world. These gestures made their fury visible and signaled their total rejection of what Paul was saying.

The Greek behind Acts 22:23

  • ἱμάτια (himatia, "clothes"): This word refers to outer garments. Throwing off or shaking garments was a traditional way to show anger or strong disapproval, making their reaction more than just verbal.
  • κονιορτός (koniortos, "dust"): Tossing dust into the air was a symbolic act of agitation or protest, often seen in moments of grief or fury. Here, it adds to the picture of a crowd in uproar, expressing their rejection physically as well as vocally.

Why Acts 22:23 matters

  • This verse helps readers visualize just how violently the crowd opposed Paul, going beyond words to physical demonstrations of anger.
  • The dramatic actions described here set the stage for the Roman authorities to intervene, showing why the situation was seen as dangerously out of control.
  • Understanding these cultural gestures clarifies that Paul’s message was not just unpopular but provoked a deep, emotional response from his listeners.

Where else these words appear

“dust” Greek G2868 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
  • Luke 10:11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

“out” Greek G2905 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 12:19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
  • John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
  • John 19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.

“air” Greek G109 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
  • Revelation 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

“clothes” Greek G2440 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
  • John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!