Original Word: ἀγοραῖος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: agoraios
Pronunciation: ag-or-ah'-yos
Phonetic Spelling: (ag-or-ah'-yos)
KJV: baser sort, low
NASB: courts, market place
Word Origin: [from G58 (ἀγορά - market places)]

1. relating to the market-place, i.e. forensic (times)
2. (by implication) vulgar

the marketplace

From agora; relating to the market-place, i.e. Forensic (times); by implication, vulgar -- baser sort, low.

see GREEK agora

Word Origin
from agora
Definition
pertaining to the marketplace, an agitator
NASB Translation
courts (1), market place (1).

STRONGS NT 60: ἀγοραῖος

ἀγοραῖος (rarely ), (ἀγορά), relating to the marketplace;

1. frequenting the market-place (either transacting business, as the κάπηλοί, or) sauntering idly (Latinsubrostranus,subbasilicanus, German Pfiastertreter, our loafer): Acts 17:5 (Plato, Prot. 347 c. ἀγοραῖοι καί φαῦλοι, Aristophanes ran. 1015, others).

2. of affairs usually transacted in the marketplace: ἀγοραῖοι (namely, ἡμέραι (Winer's Grammar, 590 (549)) or σύνοδοι (Meyer and others)) ἄγονται, judicial days or assemblies (A. V. marginal reading court-days), Acts 19:38 (τὰς ἀγοραίους ποιεῖσθαι, Strabo 13, p. 932), but many think we ought to read ἀγοραῖοι here, so G L cf. Winers Grammar, 53 (52); but see (Alford and Tdf. at the passage; Lipsius, Gram. Untersuch., p. 26;) Meyer on Acts 17:5; Göttling, p. 297; (Chandler edition 1, p. 269).

Term Overview

The word translated “men from the marketplace” or “court days” (Strong’s Greek 60) appears twice in the New Testament. Both contexts involve public agitation against the advance of the gospel. Although literally linked to the city square, the term carries the figurative idea of loafers or opportunists who could be stirred into mob action.

Occurrences in Scripture

• Acts 17:5 – In Thessalonica, jealous synagogue leaders “recruited some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and set the city in an uproar.”
• Acts 19:38 – In Ephesus, the city clerk reminds the rioting crowd that “the courts are open and there are proconsuls” if legitimate grievances exist.

Historical and Cultural Background

In Greco-Roman cities the agora was a multifunctional hub: a marketplace, civic center, and unofficial gathering spot for idle men ready to discuss—or disturb—public affairs. Philosophers debated there (Acts 17:17); magistrates convened tribunals; day laborers waited for work. Because these spaces attracted unemployed or restless individuals, the term developed a negative nuance describing troublemakers available for hire. Ancient writers such as Aristophanes and Demosthenes use similar language for “rabble,” confirming Luke’s precise choice of vocabulary.

Theological Implications

1. Opposition to the gospel often exploits social fault lines. In Thessalonica, religious jealousy tapped the city’s volatile underclass.
2. God’s providence harnesses secular legal structures. At Ephesus, the city clerk appeals to orderly courts rather than mob violence, protecting Paul’s companions and illustrating Romans 13:1-4.
3. The same public arena that breeds hostility also becomes a stage for proclamation (Acts 17:17). The gospel meets culture in the open, not behind closed doors.

Ministry Principles

• Expect resistance from unpredictable quarters. Evangelism engages every stratum of society, including those easily manipulated by persuasive voices.
• Maintain integrity amid accusation. Paul and his team model calm reliance on lawful procedures rather than retaliatory force.
• Discern the difference between legitimate civic processes (“the courts are open”) and unlawful agitation. Believers honor governing authorities while refusing to be silenced by intimidation.

Related Biblical Themes

Worthless men gathered to oppose Gideon (Judges 9:4) and Saul (1 Samuel 10:27); likewise, “certain wicked men” provoked rebellion in Deuteronomy 13:13. Acts 6:12 and Acts 14:19 record similar mob tactics. Scripture consistently warns against joining a crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2) and portrays mobs as instruments of spiritual opposition (Mark 15:11).

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 60 highlights how public spaces can be commandeered by hostile forces, yet the Lord sovereignly advances His word through and sometimes in spite of such hostility. The gospel’s messengers must be prepared both to face marketplace mobs and to make the most of marketplace opportunities, trusting Christ to turn public tumult into platforms for truth.

αγοραιοι αγοραίοι ἀγοραῖοι αγοραιων αγοραίων ἀγοραίων αγορασμοίς αγορασμόν αγορασμούς agoraioi agoraîoi agoraion agoraiōn agoraíon agoraíōnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts