Acts 8:18
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Original Language Analysis
θεασάμενος
saw
G2300
θεασάμενος
saw
Strong's:
G2300
Word #:
1 of 20
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρῶν
hands
G5495
χειρῶν
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
10 of 20
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλων
of the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλων
of the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
12 of 20
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
δίδοται
was given
G1325
δίδοται
was given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
13 of 20
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
15 of 20
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἅγιον,
the Holy
G40
Ἅγιον,
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
17 of 20
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
προσήνεγκεν
he offered
G4374
προσήνεγκεν
he offered
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
18 of 20
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
Cross References
Matthew 10:8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.1 Timothy 6:5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.2 Kings 8:9So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?
Historical Context
This incident gave rise to the term 'simony' - the buying or selling of church office or spiritual benefits. Medieval church corruption through selling indulgences and offices traces conceptually to Simon's error.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Simon's offer reveal the difference between true faith and false profession?
- In what ways do people today try to 'buy' spiritual power or position?
- What does this teach about the Holy Spirit's sovereign, unearned gift?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Simon saw that 'through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given' - indicating visible manifestation. His response reveals an unregenerate heart: he viewed the Spirit's gift as purchasable power for personal gain. This exposes the sin of simony (buying spiritual office/power) and demonstrates that external religious profession doesn't guarantee internal transformation. Reformed theology sees Simon's mercenary spirit as evidence he was never truly converted - faith seeks God's glory, not personal advancement or power.