A.T. Robertson Commentary Acts 21:33

"Then the chief captain came near, and laid hold on him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and inquired who he was, and what he had done." — Acts 21:33 (ASV)

Came near (εγγισας). First aorist active participle of εγγιζω, to draw near, Koine verb from εγγυς, near, and common in the N.T.

Laid hold on him (επελαβετο αντου). See same verb in verse 30.

To be bound (δεθηνα). First aorist passive infinitive of δεω (see verse 11).

With two chains (αλυσεσ δυσ). Instrumental case of αλυσις, old word from α privative and λυω (not loosing, i.e. chaining). With two chains as a violent and seditious person, probably leader of a band of assassins (verse 38). See on Mr 5:4.

Inquired (επυνθανετο). Imperfect middle of πυνθανομα, old and common verb used mainly by Luke in the N.T. Lysias repeated his inquiries.

Who he was (τις ειη). Present active optative of ειμ changed from εστιν (present indicative) in the indirect question, a change not obligatory after a past tense, but often done in the older Greek, rare in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1043f.).

And what he had done (κα τ εστιν πεποιηκως). Periphrastic perfect active indicative of ποιεω here retained, not changed to the optative as is true of ειη from εστιν in the same indirect question, illustrating well the freedom about it.