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◄ Acts 21:40►

New International Version
After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic:

New Living Translation
The commander agreed, so Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet. Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he addressed them in their own language, Aramaic.

English Standard Version
And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

Berean Standard Bible
Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:

Berean Literal Bible
And he having allowedhim, Paul, having stood on the stairs, made a sign with the hand to the people. And great silence having taken place, he spoke tothem in the Hebrew language, saying:

King James Bible
And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake untothem in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

New King James Version
So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke tothem in the Hebrew language, saying,

New American Standard Bible
When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,

NASB 1995
When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,

NASB 1977
And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,

Legacy Standard Bible
And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

Amplified Bible
When the commander had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, gestured with his hand to the people; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect (Jewish Aramaic), saying,

Christian Standard Bible
After he had given permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was a great hush, he addressed them in Aramaic:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After he had given permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language:”

American Standard Version
And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying.

Contemporary English Version
The commander told him he could speak, so Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people. When they were quiet, he spoke to them in Aramaic:

English Revised Version
And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The officer gave Paul permission to speak. So Paul stood on the stairs of the barracks and motioned with his hand for the people to be quiet. When the mob was silent, Paul spoke to them in the Hebrew language.

Good News Translation
The commander gave him permission, so Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand for the people to be silent. When they were quiet, Paul spoke to them in Hebrew:

International Standard Version
The tribune gave him permission, and Paul, standing on the steps, motioned for the people to be silent. When everyone had quieted down, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language:

NET Bible
When the commanding officer had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and gestured to the people with his hand. When they had become silent, he addressed them in Aramaic,

New Heart English Bible
When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had given him license, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand to the people. And when there was made entire silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

Weymouth New Testament
So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was perfect silence he addressed them in Hebrew.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:

World English Bible
When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And he having given him leave, Paul having stood on the stairs, beckoned with the hand to the people, and there having been a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying:

Berean Literal Bible
And he having allowedhim, Paul, having stood on the stairs, made a sign with the hand to the people. And great silence having taken place, he spoke tothem in the Hebrew language, saying:

Young's Literal Translation
And he having given him leave, Paul having stood upon the stairs, did beckon with the hand to the people, and there having been a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew dialect, saying:

Smith's Literal Translation
And having given way, Paul standing upon the steps, shook with the hand to the people. And being much silence, he spake in the Hebrew dialect, saying,

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he had given him leave, Paul standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. And a great silence being made, he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned with his hand to the people. And when a great silence occurred, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying:

New American Bible
When he had given his permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people; and when all was quiet he addressed them in Hebrew.

New Revised Standard Version
When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people for silence; and when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and beckoned with his hand to them. And when they were quiet, he spoke to them in the Hebrew (Aramaic) tongue and said to them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he allowed him, Paulus stood on the stairs and was motioning to them with his hand, and when they were quiet he spoke with them in Judean Aramaic, and said to them:

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing upon the steps, waved his hand to the people. And when there was great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

Godbey New Testament
And he permitting, Paul, standing on the threshold, beckoned with his hand to the people: and there being great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying:

Haweis New Testament
So having his permission, Paul standing on the stairs, waved his hand to the people. And profound silence being obtained, he spake to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Mace New Testament
Paul then standing upon the stairs made a sign with his hand to the people, who being very silent, he rais'd his voice, and thus address'd them in the Hebrew tongue:

Weymouth New Testament
So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was perfect silence he addressed them in Hebrew.

Worrell New Testament
And, when he gave him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people; and, when there was great silence, he spake to them in the Hebrew language, saying:

Worsley New Testament
And when he gave him leave, Paul standing on the stairs made a sign with the hand to the people: and there being a great silence made, He spake to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Paul Speaks to the People
…39But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”40 Having received permission,Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd.A great hush came over the crowd,and he addressed them in Hebrew:

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Acts 22:1-2
“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” / When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared,

Acts 9:29
He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.

Acts 26:14
We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

Acts 13:16
Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!

Acts 2:14
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words.

Acts 19:33
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.

Acts 17:22
Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.

Acts 14:11-15
When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language: “The gods have come down to us in human form!” / Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. / The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds. ...

Acts 7:2
And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,

Acts 3:12
And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

Acts 4:8-10
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! / If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, / then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

Acts 10:28
He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.

Acts 16:37
But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”

Acts 18:19
When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews.

Acts 23:1
Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.”

Treasury of Scripture

And when he had given him license, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand to the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

on.

Acts 21:35
And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

2 Kings 9:13
Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and putit under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king.

and beckoned.

Acts 12:17
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Acts 13:16
Then Paul stood up, and beckoning withhis hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Acts 19:33
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

a great.

Acts 22:2
(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

Hebrew.

Acts 6:1
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Acts 26:14
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Luke 23:38
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

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Allowed Beckoned Commander's Crowd Dialect Entire Great Hand Hebrew Hush Language Leave Motioned Paul Perfect Permission Quiet Received Sign Silence Stairs Standing Steps Stood Tongue

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Acts 21

1.Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.
10.Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem,
13.he will not be dissuaded from going thither.
17.He comes to Jerusalem;
27.where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued;
37.and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Having received permission
Paul, having been granted permission by the Roman commander, demonstrates the legal and orderly process of Roman governance. This reflects the Roman respect for due process, even for those accused of causing disturbances. It also highlights Paul's Roman citizenship, which afforded him certain rights and protections.

Paul stood on the steps
The steps likely refer to those leading up to the Antonia Fortress, a military barracks in Jerusalem. This location is significant as it was a place of authority and control, symbolizing the power dynamics at play between the Roman authorities and the Jewish populace. Paul's position on the steps also provided a vantage point from which he could address the large crowd.

and motioned to the crowd
Paul's gesture to the crowd indicates his desire to communicate and engage with them. This act of motioning is a common rhetorical technique used to gain attention and establish a connection with an audience. It shows Paul's intent to speak directly and personally to those gathered.

A great hush came over the crowd
The sudden silence of the crowd suggests a moment of anticipation and respect, possibly due to Paul's reputation and the authority with which he carried himself. This silence also indicates the crowd's willingness to listen, at least initially, to what Paul had to say.

and he addressed them in Hebrew
Paul's choice to speak in Hebrew (or Aramaic, the common language of the Jews at the time) is significant as it establishes a cultural and religious connection with his audience. It demonstrates his identity as a Jew and his respect for Jewish traditions. This choice of language would have resonated deeply with the Jewish crowd, as it was the language of their scriptures and worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Paul
A key figure in the early Christian church, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus. He was a Pharisee and a Roman citizen who converted to Christianity after an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. In this passage, Paul is about to address a hostile crowd in Jerusalem.

2.The Crowd
The people gathered in Jerusalem, many of whom were Jews who had become agitated due to misunderstandings about Paul's teachings and actions.

3.The Steps
Likely the steps of the Antonia Fortress, a military barracks in Jerusalem where Roman soldiers were stationed. This location provided Paul a platform to address the crowd.

4.The Hebrew Language
Paul chose to speak in Hebrew (or Aramaic, the common language of the Jews at the time) to connect with the Jewish audience, showing respect and understanding of their culture and heritage.

5.Jerusalem
The city where this event takes place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple.

Teaching Points

Cultural Sensitivity in Evangelism
Paul’s choice to speak in Hebrew demonstrates the importance of understanding and respecting the cultural and linguistic context of those we are trying to reach with the Gospel.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Despite the hostility of the crowd, Paul stands firm in his mission. This teaches us to be bold and steadfast in sharing our faith, even when facing adversity.

The Power of Personal Testimony
Paul uses his personal account to connect with his audience. Our testimonies can be powerful tools in witnessing to others about the transformative power of Christ.

Seeking Peaceful Engagement
By motioning for silence and addressing the crowd calmly, Paul exemplifies the importance of seeking peaceful and respectful dialogue, even in tense situations.

God’s Sovereignty in Our Circumstances
Paul’s ability to speak to the crowd, despite the chaos, shows how God can provide opportunities for His message to be shared, even in challenging circumstances.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Acts 21:40?

2.How does Paul's use of Hebrew in Acts 21:40 demonstrate cultural sensitivity?

3.Why is understanding audience important when sharing the Gospel, as seen in Acts 21:40?

4.How does Acts 21:40 connect to Paul's mission in Romans 1:16?

5.What can we learn from Paul's calm demeanor in Acts 21:40?

6.How can we apply Paul's approach in Acts 21:40 to modern evangelism?

7.Why did Paul choose to speak in Hebrew in Acts 21:40?

8.How does Acts 21:40 demonstrate Paul's strategic approach to evangelism?

9.What significance does the setting of Acts 21:40 have in understanding Paul's mission?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 21?

11.Why did God abandon them?

12.What is the Bible's perspective on homelessness?

13.How can we remain hopeful despite life's challenges?

14.How can you identify false prophets?

What Does Acts 21:40 Mean

Having received permission

- “Having received permission” shows Paul’s respect for the chain of command.

• Earlier, he had courteously asked the Roman commander for a hearing (Acts 21:37–39).

• Paul consistently honors governing authorities while keeping his ultimate allegiance to Christ (Acts 24:10;Romans 13:1).

• The Lord often opens doors for witness through orderly submission (1 Peter 2:13–17).

Paul stood on the steps

- Those steps led up to the Antonia Fortress adjoining the temple (Acts 21:35).

• From that elevated spot Paul could be seen and heard by thousands, much like Peter on Solomon’s Colonnade inActs 3:11.

• His physical stance pictures spiritual courage; the Spirit had already told him he would testify in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22–24).

and motioned to the crowd

- A simple hand motion quieted a volatile mob (compareActs 12:17;Acts 13:16;Acts 19:33).

• Paul acts with calm authority, trusting God to turn chaos into opportunity (Proverbs 16:7).

• The gesture underscores that the gospel message deserves attentive hearing.

A great hush came over the crowd

- God answers Paul’s faith with immediate silence, echoing moments like Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:39) and the crowd’s hush in the synagogue (Luke 4:20).

• The Lord can still hearts so His Word is heard (Psalm 46:10).

• The sudden quiet anticipates the serious testimony to follow (Acts 22:2).

and he addressed them in Hebrew

- Paul chooses the language of the people’s heart, showing pastoral sensitivity (Acts 22:1–2).

• Speaking in Hebrew (or Aramaic, the common dialect) affirms his shared heritage (Philippians 3:5).

• This choice builds a bridge, just as he later uses Greek before Gentiles (Acts 26:1–2).

• It fulfills Christ’s call to be “all things to all people” to win some (1 Corinthians 9:20–22).

summary

Acts 21:40 captures a Spirit-orchestrated moment: Paul, respectful of authority yet bold for Christ, takes a strategic position, gestures for order, watches God still an enraged crowd, and speaks in their own tongue. Every detail highlights God’s sovereignty and Paul’s readiness, reminding believers that the Lord provides both the platform and the power for faithful witness.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(40)Paul stood on the stairs.--The position was one which raised him above the people, and the characteristic gesture commanded instant attention. And he spoke, not as they expected in the Greek, which belonged to one who fraternised with Gentiles, but in the Hebrew or Aramaic, which he had studied at the feet of Gamaliel. It was a strange scene for that Feast of Pentecost. The face and form of the speaker may have been seen from time to time by some during his passing visits to Jerusalem, but there must have been many who had not heard him take any part in public action since the day when, twenty-five years before, he had kept the garments of those who were stoning Stephen. And now he was there, accused of the self-same crimes, making his defence before a crowd as wild and frenzied as that of which he had then been the leader.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 40.- Leave forlicense, A.V.;standing forstood...and, A.V.;language fortongue. A.V.The Hebrew language;i.e. the Syro-Chaldaic which was the vernacular of the Hebrew Jews at that time.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Having received permission,
ἐπιτρέψαντος(epitrepsantos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2010:To turn to, commit, entrust; I allow, yield, permit. From epi and the base of trope; to turn over, i.e. Allow.

Paul
Παῦλος(Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972:Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

stood
ἑστὼς(hestōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2476:A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

on
ἐπὶ(epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τῶν(tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

steps
ἀναβαθμῶν(anabathmōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 304:From anabaino; a stairway.

[and] motioned
κατέσεισεν(kateseisen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2678:From kata and seio; to sway downward, i.e. Make a signal.

to the
τῷ(tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd.
λαῷ(laō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992:Apparently a primary word; a people.

A great
πολλῆς(pollēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.

hush
σιγῆς(sigēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4602:Silence. Apparently from sizo; silence.

came over [the crowd],
γενομένης(genomenēs)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

[and] he addressed [them]
προσεφώνησεν(prosephōnēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4377:From pros and phoneo; to sound towards, i.e. Address, exclaim, summon.

in
τῇ(tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Aramaic:
Ἑβραΐδι(Hebraidi)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1446:The Hebrew language, or rather: Aramaic. From Eber; the Hebraistic or Jewish language.

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NT Apostles: Acts 21:40 When he had given him permission Paul (Acts of the Apostles Ac)