Acts Chapter 8 · Verse 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?
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.