Acts 8:9
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
Original Language Analysis
ὀνόματι
called
G3686
ὀνόματι
called
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
4 of 21
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
προϋπῆρχεν
which beforetime
G4391
προϋπῆρχεν
which beforetime
Strong's:
G4391
Word #:
6 of 21
to exist before, i.e., (adverbially) to be or do something previously
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλει
the same city
G4172
πόλει
the same city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
9 of 21
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξιστῶν
bewitched
G1839
ἐξιστῶν
bewitched
Strong's:
G1839
Word #:
12 of 21
to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνος
the people
G1484
ἔθνος
the people
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
14 of 21
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Σαμαρείας
of Samaria
G4540
Σαμαρείας
of Samaria
Strong's:
G4540
Word #:
16 of 21
samaria (i.e., shomeron), a city and region of palestine
λέγων
giving out
G3004
λέγων
giving out
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
Acts 13:6And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:Acts 5:36For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.John 7:18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.Leviticus 20:6And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.Acts 8:11And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.Exodus 7:11Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.Exodus 7:22And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
Historical Context
Magic and sorcery were common in the ancient world. Samaritans were particularly known for occult practices. Simon's influence suggests he was a prominent figure, possibly claiming to be the Samaritan Taheb (prophet like Moses) or a divine emanation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish genuine Holy Spirit power from counterfeit spiritual manifestations?
- What attracts people to occult power rather than submitting to God's authority?
- Why does Satan use counterfeit miracles to deceive and oppose God's truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Simon the sorcerer had 'bewitched' (Greek existemi - amazed/astonished) Samaria with magic arts, claiming greatness. His influence preceded Philip's arrival. The mention of his sorcery establishes a contrast between demonic power and the Holy Spirit's power. Reformed theology recognizes Satan's counterfeit miracles that deceive, requiring discernment to distinguish God's genuine work from demonic deception. Simon's later attempt to buy the Spirit's power (v.18-19) would reveal his unregenerate heart despite outward profession.