The Meaning of Acts 14:19 Explained

Acts 14:19

KJV: And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

YLT: And there came thither, from Antioch and Iconium, Jews, and they having persuaded the multitudes, and having stoned Paul, drew him outside of the city, having supposed him to be dead;

Darby: But there came Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds and stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing him to have died.

ASV: But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  there came thither  [certain] Jews  from  Antioch  and  Iconium,  who  persuaded  the people,  and,  having stoned  Paul,  drew  [him] out of  the city,  supposing  he  had been dead. 

What does Acts 14:19 Mean?

Context Summary

Acts 14:14-28 - Establishing The New Believers
In Paul's address we have distinct anticipations of the early chapters of the Epistle to the Romans. How fickle a mob is! Now, enthusiastic loyalty; again, disappointment and rejection. Today, "Hosanna;" tomorrow, "Crucify." "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils."
It has been supposed by some that the trance of 2 Corinthians 12:1-21 took place at the time of Paul's stoning in Lystra. It must have been sorrow indeed to awaken from such a vision to the suffering of his battered body. But that scene, no doubt, gave him the love and devotion of the young Timothy and his mother and grandmother. See Acts 16:1-2. On Paul's next visit to Lystra, this son, whom he had begotten in the sore anguish of that hour, was to become his devoted attendant.
In spite of the treatment Paul had received, he returned to the city, Acts 14:21. Back to the stones! Naught could stay his ardent spirit, if only disciples were to be won or confirmed in their faith for the Master, Acts 14:22. Everywhere these intrepid missionaries found the blood-stained track of the Cross, but they filled up to the brim the measure of their opportunity. This will be possible for us all only when we are such that God can co-operate with us as our fellow-worker and open the door. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 14

1  Paul and Barnabas are persecuted from Iconium
8  At Lystra Paul heals a cripple, whereupon they are reputed as gods
19  Paul is stoned
21  They pass through various churches, confirming the disciples in faith and patience
26  Returning to Antioch, they report what God had done with them

Greek Commentary for Acts 14:19

But there came thither Jews from Antioch and Iconium [Επηλταν δε απο Αντιοχειας και Ικονιου Ιουδαιοι]
Came to or upon them, επηλταν — epēlthan second aorist (ingressive) indicative of επερχομαι — eperchomai Whether news of the miracle had reached those cities we do not know. These may have been travelling grain merchants. At any rate there was an interval in which Paul and Barnabas won some disciples (Acts 14:22). There would be a natural reaction, even revulsion, in the minds of many who had come so near to worshipping Paul and Barnabas. The pendulum swings easily from one extreme to the other. The hostile Jews from Antioch and Iconium may even have followed Paul and Barnabas along the fine Roman road on purpose to keep them on the run. They had driven them out of Antioch and out of Iconium and now appear at Lystra at an opportune moment for their work. [source]
Having persuaded the multitudes [πεισαντες τους οχλους]
First aorist (effective) active participle of πειτω — peithō They had complete success with many and struck at the psychological moment. They stoned Paul (λιτασαντες τον Παυλον — lithasantes ton Paulon). First aorist active participle of λιταζω — lithazō late verb from λιτος — lithos for throwing stones (used by Paul referring to this one incident when alone he was stoned, 2 Corinthians 11:25). The wounds inflicted may have left some of the scars (στιγματα — stigmata) mentioned in Galatians 6:17. They stoned Paul as the chief speaker (Mercury) and passed by Barnabas (Jupiter). It was a Jewish mode of punishment as against Stephen and these Jews knew that Paul was the man that they had to deal with. Hackett notes that the Jews with two exceptions incited the persecutions which Paul endured. The exceptions were in Philippi (16:16-40) and Ephesus (19:23-41). Dragged him out of the city They hurled Stephen outside of the city before stoning him (Acts 7:58). It was a hurried and irregular proceeding, but they were dragging (imperfect active of surō old verb) Paul out now. Supposing that he were dead (συρω — nomizontes auton tethnēkenai). Present active participle with infinitive (second perfect active of νομιζοντες αυτον τετνηκεναι — thnēskō) in indirect discourse with accusative of general reference. The Jews are jubilant this time with memories of Paul‘s escape at Antioch and Iconium. The pagan mob feel that they have settled accounts for their narrow escape from worshipping two Jewish renegade preachers. It was a good day‘s work for them all. Luke does not say that Paul was actually dead. [source]
They stoned Paul [λιτασαντες τον Παυλον]
First aorist active participle of λιταζω — lithazō late verb from λιτος — lithos for throwing stones (used by Paul referring to this one incident when alone he was stoned, 2 Corinthians 11:25). The wounds inflicted may have left some of the scars It was a Jewish mode of punishment as against Stephen and these Jews knew that Paul was the man that they had to deal with. Hackett notes that the Jews with two exceptions incited the persecutions which Paul endured. The exceptions were in Philippi (16:16-40) and Ephesus (19:23-41). [source]
Dragged him out of the city [εσυρον εχω της πολεως]
They hurled Stephen outside of the city before stoning him (Acts 7:58). It was a hurried and irregular proceeding, but they were dragging (imperfect active of surō old verb) Paul out now. Supposing that he were dead (συρω — nomizontes auton tethnēkenai). Present active participle with infinitive (second perfect active of νομιζοντες αυτον τετνηκεναι — thnēskō) in indirect discourse with accusative of general reference. The Jews are jubilant this time with memories of Paul‘s escape at Antioch and Iconium. The pagan mob feel that they have settled accounts for their narrow escape from worshipping two Jewish renegade preachers. It was a good day‘s work for them all. Luke does not say that Paul was actually dead. [source]
Supposing that he were dead [συρω]
Present active participle with infinitive (second perfect active of νομιζοντες αυτον τετνηκεναι — thnēskō) in indirect discourse with accusative of general reference. The Jews are jubilant this time with memories of Paul‘s escape at Antioch and Iconium. The pagan mob feel that they have settled accounts for their narrow escape from worshipping two Jewish renegade preachers. It was a good day‘s work for them all. Luke does not say that Paul was actually dead. [source]
Stoned []
See on Acts 14:5. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 14:19

John 6:44 Draw [ἑλκύση]
Two words for drawing are found in the New Testament, σύρω and ἑλκύω . The distinction is not habitually observed, and the meanings often overlap. Σύρω is originally to drag or trail along, as a garment or torn slippers. Both words are used of haling to justice. (See Acts 8:3; Acts 17:6; Acts 16:19) In Acts 14:19, συ.ρω , of dragging Paul's senseless body out of the city at Lystra. In John 21:6, John 21:8, John 21:11, both words of drawing the net. In John 18:10, ἑλκύω , of drawing Peter's sword. One distinction, however, is observed: σύρω is never used of Christ's attraction of men. See John 6:44; John 12:32. Ἑλκύω occurs only once outside of John's writings (Acts 16:19). Luther says on this passage: “The drawing is not like that of the executioner, who draws the thief up the ladder to the gallows; but it is a gracious allurement, such as that of the man whom everybody loves, and to whom everybody willingly goes.” [source]
John 6:44 Except the Father draw him [εαν μη ελκυσηι αυτον]
Negative condition of third class with εαν μη — ean mē and first aorist active subjunctive of ελκυω — helkuō older form ελκω — helkō to drag like a net (John 21:6), or sword (John 18:10), or men (Acts 16:19), to draw by moral power (John 12:32), as in Jeremiah 31:3. Συρω — Surō the other word to drag (Acts 8:3; Acts 14:19) is not used of Christ‘s drawing power. The same point is repeated in John 6:65. The approach of the soul to God is initiated by God, the other side of John 6:37. See Romans 8:7 for the same doctrine and use of ουδε δυναται — oude dunatai like ουδεις δυναται — oudeis dunatai here. [source]
John 10:31 Took up stones again [εβαστασαν παλιν λιτους]
First aorist active indicative of βασταζω — bastazō old verb to pick up, to carry (John 12:6), to bear (Galatians 6:5). The παλιν — palin refers to John 8:59 where ηραν — ēran was used. They wanted to kill him also when he made himself equal to God in John 5:18. Perhaps here εβαστασαν — ebastasan means “they fetched stones from a distance.” To stone him Final clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of λιταζω — lithazō late verb (Aristotle, Polybius) from λιτος — lithos (stone, small, Matthew 4:6, or large, Matthew 28:2), in John 10:31-33; John 11:8; Acts 5:26; Acts 14:19; 2 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 11:37, but not in the Synoptics. It means to pelt with stones, to overwhelm with stones. [source]
Acts 28:6 A god []
“Observe, ” says Bengel, “the fickleness of human reasoning. He is either an assassin, say they, or a god. So, at one time bulls, at another stones ” (Acts 14:13, Acts 14:19). [source]
Acts 14:5 To stone []
Paul says he was stoned once (2 Corinthians 11:25). This took place at Lystra (see Acts 14:19). [source]
Acts 26:14 It is hard for thee to kick against the goad [σκληρον σοι προς κεντρα λακτιζειν]
Genuine here, but not in chapters 9, 22. A common proverb as Aeschylus Ag. 1624: Προς κεντρα μη λακτιζε — Pros kentra mē laktize “It is taken from an ox that being pricked with a goad kicks and receives a severer wound” (Page). Cf. the parables of Jesus (Matthew 13:35). Blass observes that Paul‘s mention of this Greek and Latin proverb is an indication of his culture. Besides he mentions (not invents) it here rather than in chapter 22 because of the culture of this audience. Κεντρον — Kentron means either sting as of bees (II Macc. Acts 14:19) and so of death (1 Corinthians 15:55) or an iron goad in the ploughman‘s hand as here (the only two N.T. examples). Note plural here (goads) and λακτιζειν — laktizein is present active infinitive so that the idea is “to keep on kicking against goads.” This old verb means to kick with the heel (adverb λαχ — lax with the heel), but only here in the N.T. There is a papyrus example of kicking (λακτιζω — laktizō) with the feet against the door. [source]
Acts 28:6 That he would have swollen [αυτον μελλειν πιμπρασται]
More exactly, “Expecting him to be about (or that he was about) to swell up.” Πιμπρασται — Pimprasthai is present middle infinitive from πιμπρημι — pimprēmi to blow, to burn, to inflame, to cause to swell. Πρητω — Prēthō to swell, seems connected and both use the επρησα — aorist eprēsa Our word “inflammation” likewise means a burning and a swelling. This verb is a common medical term used as Luke has it. It occurs here only in N.T. Or fallen down dead η καταπιπτειν απνω νεκρον — suddenly (επι πολυ δε αυτων προσδοκωντων — ē katapiptein aphnō nekron). Rather, “or was about to fall down dead suddenly.” The two common results of a bite by a viper or other poisonous snake, both medical terms used by Luke. But when they were long in expectation (μηδεν ατοπον εις αυτον γινομενον — epi polu de autōn prosdokōntōn). Genitive absolute. “But while they were expecting for much time.” -DIVIDER-
Nothing amiss come to him (Μηδεν — mēden atopon eis auton ginomenon). “Nothing out of place coming to him” (present middle participle). τεωρουντων — Mēden the usual negative of the participle and the accusative case the object of μεταβαλομενοι — theōrountōn (genitive absolute). Changed their minds (μεταβαλλω — metabalomenoi). Aorist middle (direct) participle of αυτον ειναι τεον — metaballō old verb to turn about or around, turning themselves about, changing their minds. Plato uses this very verb in middle voice for changing the mind. -DIVIDER-
That he was a god (auton einai theon). Accusative and infinitive in indirect discourse. At Lystra Paul was first received as a god (Mercury) and then they stoned him to kill him (Acts 14:11, Acts 14:19). So fickle is popular favour. [source]

Acts 5:26 But without violence [ου μετα βιας]
Literally, not with violence. For they feared (εποβουντο γαρ — ephobounto gar). Imperfect middle, still feared, kept on fearing. Lest they be stoned Negative purpose with μη — mē (like ινα μη — hina mē), probably with “not with violence,” though possible with “they feared.” They handled the apostles gently for fear of being stoned themselves by the people. First aorist passive subjunctive of λιταζω — lithazō (from λιτος — lithos stone), old verb to pelt with stones (Acts 14:19; John 10:31-33). [source]
Acts 5:26 Lest they be stoned [μη λιταστωσιν]
Negative purpose with μη — mē (like ινα μη — hina mē), probably with “not with violence,” though possible with “they feared.” They handled the apostles gently for fear of being stoned themselves by the people. First aorist passive subjunctive of λιταζω — lithazō (from λιτος — lithos stone), old verb to pelt with stones (Acts 14:19; John 10:31-33). [source]
2 Corinthians 11:25 Stoned []
At Lystra, Acts 14:19. [source]
Galatians 3:4 Did ye suffer? [επατετε]
Second aorist active indicative of πασχω — paschō to experience good or ill. But alone, as here, it often means to suffer ill In North Galatia we have no record of persecutions, but we do have records for South Galatia (Acts 14:2, Acts 14:5, Acts 14:19, Acts 14:22). [source]
2 Timothy 3:11 Antioch, Iconium, Lystra []
See Acts 13:50; Acts 14:2ff.; Acts 14:19. These cities may have been selected as illustrations because Timothy was at home in that region. See Acts 16:1, Acts 16:2. Antioch is mentioned by Paul, Galatians 2:11. Iconium and Lystra nowhere in his letters. [source]
Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned [ἐλιθάσθησαν]
A characteristic Jewish punishment. See 2 Chronicles 24:20; Matthew 23:37; John 10:31; Acts 5:26; Acts 7:59; Acts 14:19. The verb λιθοβολεῖν is also used in Matthew, Luke, and Acts, and once in this epistle, Hebrews 12:20. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 14:19 mean?

Came however from Antioch and Iconium Jews having persuaded the crowds having stoned - Paul they dragged [him] outside the city supposing him to have died
Ἐπῆλθαν δὲ ἀπὸ Ἀντιοχείας καὶ Ἰκονίου Ἰουδαῖοι πείσαντες τοὺς ὄχλους λιθάσαντες τὸν Παῦλον ἔσυρον ἔξω τῆς πόλεως νομίζοντες αὐτὸν τεθνηκέναι

Ἐπῆλθαν  Came 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἐπεισέρχομαι 
Sense: to come to arrive.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
Ἀντιοχείας  Antioch 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: Ἀντιόχεια  
Sense: Capital of Syria, situated on the river Orontes, founded by Seleucus Nicanor in 300 B.
Ἰκονίου  Iconium 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: Ἰκόνιον  
Sense: a famous city of Asia Minor, which was the capital of Lycaonia.
Ἰουδαῖοι  Jews 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: Ἰουδαῖος  
Sense: Jewish, belonging to the Jewish race.
πείσαντες  having  persuaded 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἐπισείω 
Sense: persuade.
ὄχλους  crowds 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ὄχλος  
Sense: a crowd.
λιθάσαντες  having  stoned 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: λιθάζω  
Sense: to overwhelm or pelt with stones.
τὸν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Παῦλον  Paul 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Παῦλος  
Sense: Paul was the most famous of the apostles and wrote a good part of the NT, the 4 Pauline epistles.
ἔσυρον  they  dragged  [him] 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: σύρω  
Sense: to draw, drag.
ἔξω  outside 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἔξω  
Sense: without, out of doors.
πόλεως  city 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: πόλις  
Sense: a city.
νομίζοντες  supposing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: νομίζω  
Sense: to hold by custom or usage, own as a custom or usage, to follow a custom or usage.
τεθνηκέναι  to  have  died 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Infinitive Active
Root: θνῄσκω  
Sense: to die, to be dead.