Acts 13:8
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
is his
G846
αὐτοῦ
is his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μάγος
the sorcerer
G3097
μάγος
the sorcerer
Strong's:
G3097
Word #:
6 of 19
a magian (magi), i.e., oriental scientist; by implication, a magician
γὰρ
(for
G1063
γὰρ
(for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
11 of 19
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτοῦ
is his
G846
αὐτοῦ
is his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ζητῶν
seeking
G2212
ζητῶν
seeking
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
13 of 19
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
διαστρέψαι
to turn away
G1294
διαστρέψαι
to turn away
Strong's:
G1294
Word #:
14 of 19
to distort, i.e., (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνθύπατον
the deputy
G446
ἀνθύπατον
the deputy
Strong's:
G446
Word #:
16 of 19
instead of the highest officer, i.e., (specially) a roman proconsul
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
17 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
2 Timothy 3:8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.Acts 9:36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Historical Context
Court magicians held significant influence in Roman households, claiming access to divine knowledge and providing supernatural counsel. Elymas's position with Sergius Paulus likely included astrology, divination, and interpreting omens—standard services for Roman officials making governmental decisions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elymas's opposition—seeking to maintain influence and income—mirror contemporary resistance to the gospel?
- When have you witnessed spiritual opposition intensify precisely when someone is close to genuine conversion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) (Ἐλύμας ὁ μάγος, οὕτως γὰρ μεθερμηνεύεται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, Elymas ho magos, houtōs gar methermēneuetai to onoma autou)—Luke provides the Semitic 'Elymas' (possibly from Arabic alim, 'wise one' or 'magician') as Bar-jesus's professional title. The parenthetical explanation suggests Luke's Greek audience needed clarification, emphasizing the man's identity as an occult practitioner.
Withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith (ἀνθίστατο αὐτοῖς ζητῶν διαστρέψαι τὸν ἀνθύπατον ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως, anthistato autois zētōn diastrepsai ton anthypaton apo tēs pisteōs)—the imperfect tenses (ἀνθίστατο, ζητῶν) describe continuous, determined opposition. The verb διαστρέψαι (diastrepsai, 'to distort, pervert, turn aside') reveals Elymas's motive: protecting his influence and income by preventing Sergius Paulus's conversion. This confrontation typifies spiritual warfare in missions.