Acts 19:34

KJV

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when they knew {G1921} that {G3754} he was {G2076} a Jew {G2453}, all {G3956}{G1096} with {G1537} one {G3391} voice {G5456} about {G5613} the space {G1909} of two {G1417} hours {G5610} cried out {G2896}, Great {G3173} is Diana {G735} of the Ephesians {G2180}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But as soon as they recognized that he was a Jew, they began bellowing in unison, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” and they kept it up for about two hours.

Berean Standard Bible

But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

American Standard Version

But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:34 vividly portrays the tumultuous climax of a riot in Ephesus, where the discovery of Alexander's Jewish identity ignited a furious, unified, and prolonged outburst from the pagan crowd. For two hours, the enraged populace, fearing the economic and religious threat posed by the burgeoning Christian movement, vehemently declared their fervent devotion to their patron goddess, Diana, shouting, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" This scene underscores the deep-seated idolatry and fierce opposition the early Gospel encountered when challenging entrenched cultural and religious norms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The events of Acts 19:34 are the culmination of a significant period of ministry by the Apostle Paul in Ephesus, where his impactful preaching of the Gospel led many to abandon idolatry. This success directly threatened the livelihood of artisans, particularly silversmiths, who profited from crafting shrines for the goddess Diana. Demetrius, a prominent silversmith, incited his colleagues, articulating fears not only for their economic well-being but also for the potential diminishment of the "greatness" of Diana and her renowned temple ([Acts 19:26-27](/acts/19-26-27 "Acts 19:26-27 - Demetrius Incites the Riot")). This economic and religious outrage rapidly escalated into a city-wide uproar, with the angry mob seizing Paul's companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and dragging them into the city's theater ([Acts 19:29](/acts/19-29 "Acts 19:29 - Gaius and Aristarchus Seized")). When Alexander, a Jew, attempted to address the assembly, his identity as a Jew—a group that also rejected pagan gods—immediately triggered the unified, prolonged outburst described in this verse, demonstrating the crowd's indiscriminate animosity towards any perceived challenge to their established religious order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana in Roman mythology), one of the [Seven Wonders of the Ancient World](/revelation/2-1 "Revelation 2:1 - The Church in Ephesus"). This colossal structure was not merely a religious site but a powerful economic engine, attracting pilgrims, supporting a vast industry of idol makers, and serving as a bank. The phrase "Diana of the Ephesians" emphasized her specific patronage and deep connection to the city's identity, pride, and prosperity. Any perceived affront to her was a direct assault on the city itself. The Jewish community in Ephesus, while distinct from the Christians, shared a monotheistic rejection of pagan deities. In the eyes of the pagan Ephesians, both Jews and Christians challenged their polytheistic worldview and the economic system built around it. Alexander's attempt to distance the Jews from the Christians, or perhaps to explain their shared rejection of idols, was met with immediate and overwhelming hostility, as the crowd perceived any non-worshiper of Diana as an enemy.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 19:34 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Idolatry vs. True Worship**, showcasing the deep-seated pagan devotion of the Ephesian populace whose identity and prosperity were inextricably linked to Diana. This fervent worship stands in stark contrast to the singular worship of the one true God proclaimed by Paul. Consequently, the verse highlights the **Opposition to the Gospel**, demonstrating how the spread of the Good News often meets fierce resistance when it challenges entrenched cultural, religious, or economic norms. The truth of Christ directly confronted the falsehood of idol worship, leading to conflict. Furthermore, the scene vividly portrays the dangerous power of **Mob Mentality**, where individual reason is abandoned for collective emotion and unified, irrational shouting. The crowd was not interested in hearing arguments but in expressing their collective anger and loyalty to their goddess. Finally, the underlying **Economic Threat to False Religion** is evident; the perceived threat to the livelihood of those tied to idol worship fueled intense opposition to spiritual truth, revealing how material interests can obstruct the reception of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _epiginṓskō_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual knowledge; it implies recognition based on some mark or characteristic, leading to a fuller acquaintance or acknowledgment. In this context, the crowd "recognized" Alexander as a Jew, likely by his appearance, dress, or perhaps his association with the synagogue, immediately triggering their pre-existing animosity towards those who rejected their gods.
* **cried out (Greek, _krázō_):** This word describes a loud, often raucous, and uncontrolled vocalization, akin to a "croak" or scream. It conveys the raw, primal nature of the crowd's outburst—a shriek or clamor rather than a reasoned statement. It emphasizes the frenzied, emotional, and unified nature of their protest.
* **Great (Greek, _mégas_):** This adjective denotes something "big" or "large," but in a very wide application, including figurative senses like "mighty," "high," or "exceedingly." When applied to Diana, it expresses the Ephesians' profound conviction in her supreme status, power, and importance, reflecting their deep reverence and the superlative nature of their devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when they knew that he was a Jew":** This clause marks the pivotal moment that escalated the crowd's agitation. The identification of Alexander as a Jew, a group known for its monotheism and rejection of pagan deities, immediately solidified the crowd's opposition. For the Ephesians, Jews, like Christians, represented a direct challenge to their polytheistic worldview and the economic system built around the worship of Diana.
* **"all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out":** This phrase emphasizes the overwhelming unity and sustained intensity of the crowd's reaction. "All with one voice" highlights the collective, unthinking nature of the mob, where individual dissent was silenced. The "two hours" signifies a prolonged, relentless, and almost ritualistic demonstration of their fervent devotion and anger, indicating a deep-seated commitment to their goddess and a profound rejection of any perceived threat.
* **"Great is Diana of the Ephesians":** This climactic declaration is the core of their protest. It is a defiant affirmation of their patron goddess's supremacy and a direct counter-proclamation to the Christian message that "gods made with hands are not gods" ([Acts 19:26](/acts/19-26 "Acts 19:26 - Demetrius' Complaint")). This chant served as both an expression of religious zeal and a rallying cry against the perceived threat to their city's identity, prosperity, and spiritual foundation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke masterfully employs several literary devices in Acts 19:34 to convey the scene's dramatic intensity. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "about the space of two hours," which, while potentially literal, also serves to emphasize the extraordinary duration and unwavering fervor of the crowd's unified shout, highlighting their irrational zeal. The scene also presents a stark **Irony**: Alexander, likely attempting to calm the crowd or distance the Jews from the Christians, inadvertently incites an even greater uproar simply by being identified as a Jew. This underscores the mob's pre-existing prejudice and unwillingness to listen to reason. Furthermore, the repeated chant, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians," functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of the entrenched paganism and idolatry that the Gospel directly confronts. The collective "one voice" symbolizes the dangerous power of **Mob Mentality**, where individual thought is subsumed by collective emotion and irrationality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:34 provides a stark illustration of the clash between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, particularly when deeply entrenched idolatry and economic interests are challenged by the truth of the Gospel. The fervent, prolonged shout for Diana reveals the spiritual strongholds that oppose God's redemptive work. It underscores that the Gospel's advance is not merely a matter of intellectual persuasion but often involves direct confrontation with spiritual darkness and the worldly systems that benefit from it. The crowd's irrationality and unified opposition highlight humanity's fallen tendency to cling to false gods and traditions, even when confronted with a liberating truth. Ultimately, this passage reminds believers that the battle is spiritual, and the victory belongs to Christ, who alone is truly "Great" and worthy of all worship.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Persecution for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tumultuous scene in Ephesus serves as a timeless reminder that the proclamation of the Gospel will inevitably encounter resistance, especially when it challenges deeply rooted cultural norms, economic interests, or cherished ideologies that function as modern "idols." Just as Diana represented the perceived source of prosperity and identity for the Ephesians, contemporary societies often elevate materialism, fame, political power, or self-fulfillment to positions of ultimate allegiance, competing for the worship due only to God. Acts 19:34 calls believers to cultivate discernment, recognizing that opposition to the Gospel can manifest in various forms, from overt hostility to subtle cultural pressures. It challenges us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with collective irrationality or public pressure, and to speak truth courageously, knowing that God's sovereignty ultimately prevails. We are reminded that true greatness belongs not to human constructs or false deities, but to the living God who alone is worthy of our worship and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or deeply entrenched cultural norms in our society today might be challenged by the uncompromising truth of the Gospel?**
* **How might the "mob mentality" described in this passage manifest in modern contexts, and how can believers resist being swept up in collective irrationality?**
* **In what ways might economic interests or personal gain hinder the acceptance or proclamation of the Gospel in our lives or communities?**
* **How can we cultivate the courage to stand for Christ, even when facing significant opposition or social pressure?**

### FAQ
**Why did the crowd react so violently to Alexander being a Jew?**

Answer: The crowd's violent reaction to Alexander being identified as a Jew stemmed from the fact that Jews, like Christians, were monotheists who rejected the worship of pagan gods, including Diana. In the eyes of the Ephesians, anyone who did not honor Diana was perceived as a threat to their city's identity, prosperity, and religious foundation. While Alexander may have intended to speak on behalf of the Jewish community to distance themselves from the Christians, or perhaps to explain their shared rejection of idolatry, his very identity as a non-worshiper of Diana immediately triggered the mob's pre-existing animosity and heightened their fervent devotion to their goddess. They saw him as part of the broader challenge to their established order.

**What was the significance of shouting for "two hours"?**

Answer: The phrase "about the space of two hours" signifies the extraordinary duration and unwavering intensity of the crowd's unified shout. This prolonged period of chanting, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians," was not merely a spontaneous outburst but a sustained, almost ritualistic, demonstration of their fervent devotion, anger, and defiance. It underscored the deep-seated nature of their commitment to Diana and their profound rejection of any perceived threat to her worship. It also illustrates the powerful and often irrational nature of mob mentality, where collective emotion can override individual reason for an extended period.

**Who was Diana/Artemis, and why was she so important to Ephesus?**

Answer: Diana (known as Artemis in Greek mythology) was the chief deity of Ephesus, revered as the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, the moon, and childbirth. Her temple in Ephesus was one of the [Seven Wonders of the Ancient World](/revelation/2-1 "Revelation 2:1 - The Church in Ephesus"), a colossal and magnificent structure that served not only as a religious center but also as a major economic hub and a bank. Pilgrims from across the Roman Empire flocked to her temple, supporting a vast industry of idol makers, priests, and temple functionaries. The phrase "Diana of the Ephesians" emphasized her particular connection and patronage over the city, making her central to the city's identity, pride, and prosperity. Any perceived slight against her was a direct affront to the city itself, leading to the intense reaction seen in Acts 19.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The uproar in Ephesus, culminating in the two-hour chant for Diana, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ over all false gods and worldly systems. The Ephesians' fervent, yet ultimately futile, devotion to a created idol stands in stark contrast to the singular and eternal greatness of Jesus Christ. He is the true "Great One" who exposes the emptiness of all human-made deities and philosophies ([Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Warning Against Empty Deception")). Unlike Diana, who was dependent on human craftsmanship and economic enterprise, Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation")). His kingdom is not threatened by economic downturns or popular opinion, but rather advances by the power of the Holy Spirit, transforming hearts and challenging every stronghold of idolatry. The ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), renders all pagan sacrifices and temple industries obsolete, offering true reconciliation with God. The resistance Paul faced in Ephesus is a microcosm of the spiritual warfare that Christ has already decisively won through His death and resurrection, establishing His authority far above all rule and authority, power and dominion ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy")). In Christ alone is the true way, the truth, and the life, making all other paths to supposed greatness or salvation utterly vain ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 19:28

And when they heard [these sayings], they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

Revelation 13:4

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Acts 16:20

And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

Matthew 6:7

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

1 Kings 18:26

And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed [it], and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But [there was] no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.

Romans 2:22

Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

Acts 19:26

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: