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 19:33 ►

New International Version
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people.

New Living Translation
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak.

English Standard Version
Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
Now out of the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews having thrust him forward. And Alexander, having motioned with the hand, was wanting to make a defense to the people.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.

New American Standard Bible
Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.

NASB 1995
Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.

NASB 1977
And some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.

Legacy Standard Bible
And some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.

Amplified Bible
Some of the crowd advised Alexander [to speak], since the Jews had pushed him forward; and Alexander motioned with his hand [for attention] and intended to make a defense to the people.

Christian Standard Bible
Some Jews in the crowd gave instructions to Alexander after they pushed him to the front. Motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then some of the crowd gave Alexander advice when the Jews pushed him to the front. So motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people.

American Standard Version
And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defense unto the people.

Contemporary English Version
Several of the Jewish leaders pushed a man named Alexander to the front of the crowd and started telling him what to say. He motioned with his hand and tried to explain what was going on.

English Revised Version
And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defence unto the people.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some people concluded that Alexander was the cause, so the Jews pushed him to the front. Alexander motioned with his hand to quiet the people because he wanted to defend himself in front of them.

Good News Translation
Some of the people concluded that Alexander was responsible, since the Jews made him go up to the front. Then Alexander motioned with his hand for the people to be silent, and he tried to make a speech of defense.

International Standard Version
Some of the crowd concluded it was because of Alexander, since the Jews had pushed him to the front. So Alexander motioned for silence and tried to make a defense before the people.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Some of the crowd concluded it was about Alexander because the Jews had pushed him to the front. Alexander, gesturing with his hand, was wanting to make a defense before the public assembly.

New Heart English Bible
They brought Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense to the people.

Weymouth New Testament
Then some of the people crowded round Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand to get silence, was prepared to make a defence to the people.

World English Bible
They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and out of the multitude they put forward Alexander—the Jews thrusting him forward—and Alexander having beckoned with the hand, wished to make defense to the populace,

Berean Literal Bible
Now out of the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews having thrust him forward. And Alexander, having motioned with the hand, was wanting to make a defense to the people.

Young's Literal Translation
and out of the multitude they put forward Alexander -- the Jews thrusting him forward -- and Alexander having beckoned with the hand, wished to make defence to the populace,

Smith's Literal Translation
And they forced Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews having put him forward. And Alexander having shaken the hand, wished to justify himself to the people.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they drew forth Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander beckoning with his hand for silence, would have given the people satisfaction.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So they dragged Alexander from the crowd, while the Jews were propelling him forward. And Alexander, gesturing with his hand for silence, wanted to give the people an explanation.

New American Bible
Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, as the Jews pushed him forward, and Alexander signaled with his hand that he wished to explain something to the gathering.

New Revised Standard Version
Some of the crowd gave instructions to Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed forward. And Alexander motioned for silence and tried to make a defense before the people.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the Jews who were there appointed a Jew named Al-ex-an’der. And when he rose up, he gestured with his hand and would have addressed the people.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the people of the Judeans who were there put forth a man of them, a Jew whose name was Alexandrus, and as he arose, he beckoned with his hand and wanted to put forth a defense to the people.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And some of the multitude put Alexander forward, the Jews urging him on. And Alexander waved his hand, and wished to make a defense to the people.

Godbey New Testament
And some from the crowd forced in Alexander, the Jews precipitating him forward; and Alexander, beckoning with his hand, wished to apologize to the people.

Haweis New Testament
Then out of the crowd they brought forward Alexander, the Jews pushing him on: and Alexander, waving his hand, would fain have addressed his apology to the people.

Mace New Testament
at last Alexander was disengag'd from the croud, and accus'd by the Jews, then he waved his hand, desiring to make his defence before them all.

Weymouth New Testament
Then some of the people crowded round Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand to get silence, was prepared to make a defence to the people.

Worrell New Testament
And they brought Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander, waving his hand, wished to make defense to the people.

Worsley New Testament
And they brought Alexander forward out of the multitude, the Jews urging him on. And Alexander beckoning with the hand, would have made a defence to the people.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Riot in Ephesus
…32Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there. 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. 34But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 21:40
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:

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 18:24-26
Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures. / He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. / And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Acts 6:9-10
But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They disputed with Stephen, / but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

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 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 24:10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

Acts 26:1
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

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

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 14:12
Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.

Acts 16:19
When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace.

Acts 25:24
Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him, both here and in Jerusalem, crying out that he ought not to live any longer.

Acts 12:17
Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.

Acts 15:13
When they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me!

Treasury of Scripture

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense to the people.

Alexander.

1 Timothy 1:20
Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

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 with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Acts 21:40
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 unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

his.

Acts 22:1
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

Acts 26:1,2
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: …

Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

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Alexander Assembly Beckoned Beckoning Concluded Crowd Crowded Defence Defense Drew Forward Front Hand Instructions Intending Jews Making Motioned Motioning Multitude Order Populace Prepared Prompted Pushed Pushing Putting Round Shouted Sign Silence Statement Thrusting Wished

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Acts 19

1. The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.
8. The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.
13. The Jewish exorcists,
16. are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.
19. Conjuring books are burnt.
21. Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;
35. which is appeased by the town clerk.

Berean Study Bible

The Jews in the crowd
This phrase indicates the presence of Jewish individuals within the tumultuous gathering in Ephesus. Historically, Jews were dispersed throughout the Roman Empire, often forming communities in major cities. In Ephesus, a city known for its devotion to the goddess Artemis, the Jewish community would have been a minority, navigating their identity amidst a predominantly pagan culture. The Greek term for "Jews" here is "Ioudaioi," which can refer to ethnic Jews or those practicing Judaism. Their presence in the crowd suggests a vested interest in the unfolding events, possibly due to the socio-religious implications of Paul's ministry.

pushed Alexander forward
The act of pushing Alexander forward implies a sense of urgency or necessity. Alexander, a common Jewish name, is likely a figure of some standing within the Jewish community. The Greek verb "probalō" suggests a forceful presentation, indicating that the Jews wanted Alexander to represent them, possibly to distance themselves from the riotous behavior or to clarify their position. This action reflects the complex dynamics between the Jewish community and the early Christian movement, as well as their desire to maintain peace with the Roman authorities.

and they shouted instructions to him
The shouting of instructions indicates a chaotic and tense atmosphere. The Greek word "boētheō" conveys a sense of loud, urgent communication, reflecting the crowd's anxiety and the high stakes of the situation. The Jews likely wanted Alexander to communicate a message that would protect their community from being associated with the uproar caused by the silversmiths' opposition to Paul. This highlights the precarious position of Jews in a predominantly Gentile society, where misunderstandings could lead to persecution.

He motioned for silence
Alexander's motion for silence, using the Greek verb "kataseiō," suggests an attempt to bring order and command attention. This gesture is significant in a setting of confusion and noise, indicating Alexander's role as a mediator or spokesperson. His desire for silence underscores the importance of his forthcoming message and his hope to be heard amidst the clamor. This act of seeking calm reflects a common biblical theme where wisdom and truth are often conveyed in moments of stillness and attentiveness.

so he could make his defense
The phrase "make his defense" translates the Greek "apologeomai," which means to speak in one's defense or to offer an explanation. This term is foundational in Christian apologetics, where believers are called to defend their faith. Alexander's intended defense likely aimed to clarify the Jewish community's stance and dissociate them from the Christian movement's impact on local commerce and religion. This reflects the broader context of early Christianity's challenge to existing religious and economic structures, often necessitating explanations and defenses.

to the people
The term "people" here, from the Greek "dēmos," refers to the assembled populace of Ephesus. This diverse crowd would have included locals, merchants, and possibly Roman officials, all with vested interests in the city's stability and prosperity. Addressing such a crowd required tact and diplomacy, as the speaker needed to navigate various cultural and religious sensitivities. This highlights the early Christians' and Jews' need to engage with broader society thoughtfully, balancing their distinct beliefs with the need for peaceful coexistence.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(33) And they drew Alexander out of the multitude . . .--The fact that he was put forward by the Jews indicates, probably, that they were anxious to guard against the suspicion that they were at all identified with St. Paul or his companions. If we identify this Alexander with the "coppersmith" of 2Timothy 4:14, who wrought so much evil against the Apostle on his third and last visit to Ephesus, we may assume some trade-connection with Demetrius which would give him influence with the crowd of artisans. His apologia, or defence, was obviously made by him as the representative of the Jews. The whole scene is again painted vividly--the vain attempt to gain a hearing by signs and gestures, the fury of the people on recognising his Jewish features and dress, their ready assumption that all Jews were alike in abhorring idols. Perhaps, also, they may have known or suspected that that abhorrence was sometimes accompanied by a readiness to traffic in what had been stolen from the idol's temple. St. Paul's words in Romans 2:22 may have had a personal application. The language of the town-clerk in Acts 19:37 suggests the same thought. He could point to Aristarchus and Gaius, and say emphatically, "These men are not robbers of temples, whatever others may be."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 33. - Brought for drew, A.V. and T.R.; a defense for his defense, A.V. (ἀπολογεῖσθαι). Alexander. Some think he is the same as "Alexander the coppersmith," of whose conduct St. Paul complains so bitterly (2 Timothy 4:14, 15; 1 Timothy 1:20), and he may or may not be. It seems likely that, as St. Paul's offence was speaking against the gods and their temples, the Jews, who were commonly accused of being atheists, and one of whose nation Paul was, came in for their share of the popular odium. They were anxious, therefore, to excuse themselves before the people of having had any share in St. Paul's work, and put forward Alexander, no doubt a clever man and a good speaker, to make their defense. But as soon as the people knew that he was a Jew, they refused to listen to him, and drowned his voice with incessant shouts of "Great is Diana of the Ephesians." Meyer, however, thinks he was a Christian, because of the word ἀπολογεῖσθαι. The people (δῆμος, as ver. 30). It was a true ἐκκλησία, though an irregular one, and the people who formed it were the δῆμος, different from the ὄχλος, the mere crowd outside.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

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.

Jews
Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

in
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive 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
ὄχλου (ochlou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

pushed
προβαλόντων (probalontōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4261: From pro and ballo; to throw forward, i.e. Push to the front, germinate.

Alexander
Ἀλέξανδρον (Alexandron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 223: From the same as alektor and aner; man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man.

{forward} to explain himself,
συνεβίβασαν (synebibasan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4822: From sun and bibazo (by reduplication) of the base of basis); to drive together, i.e. Unite, to infer, show, teach.

and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[he]
Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexandros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 223: From the same as alektor and aner; man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man.

motioned for silence
κατασείσας (kataseisas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2678: From kata and seio; to sway downward, i.e. Make a signal.

so he
ἤθελεν (ēthelen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

could make [his] defense
ἀπολογεῖσθαι (apologeisthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 626: To give a defense, defend myself (especially in a law court): it can take an object of what is said in defense.

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.

people.
δήμῳ (dēmō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1218: From deo; the public.

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NT Apostles: Acts 19:33 They brought Alexander out of the multitude (Acts of the Apostles Ac)