King James Version

What Does Acts 13:10 Mean?

Acts 13:10 in the King James Version says “And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou n... — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

Acts 13:10 · KJV


Context

8

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

9

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

10

And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

11

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

12

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul confronted Elymas: 'O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?' Paul's severe rebuke exposed Elymas's character - full of deceit and wickedness, a spiritual son of Satan opposing God's purposes. The phrase 'child of the devil' contrasts with God's children, showing spiritual paternity through resemblance of character. Reformed theology recognizes spiritual warfare against those who oppose the gospel through deception. Paul's boldness in confronting evil demonstrates the Spirit's empowerment to expose and oppose darkness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Elymas (Bar-Jesus) was a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer in the court of Sergius Paulus, Cyprus's proconsul. His opposition to Paul and Barnabas circa AD 47-48 represents Satan's resistance to the gospel reaching Gentile authorities. Paul's confrontation won the proconsul to faith (v.12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we identify 'children of the devil' by their fruits and opposition to truth?
  2. What does perverting 'the right ways of the Lord' mean, and how do false teachers do this?
  3. When is bold confrontation of deception appropriate in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
εἶπεν1 of 21

And said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

2 of 21

O

G5599

as a sign of the vocative case, o; as a note of exclamation, oh

πλήρης3 of 21

full

G4134

replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete

πάσης4 of 21

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δόλου5 of 21

subtilty

G1388

a trick (bait), i.e., (figuratively) wile

καὶ6 of 21

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πάσης7 of 21

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ῥᾳδιουργίας8 of 21

mischief

G4468

recklessness, i.e., (by extension) malignity

υἱὲ9 of 21

thou child

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

διαβόλου10 of 21

of the devil

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

ἐχθρὲ11 of 21

thou enemy

G2190

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

πάσης12 of 21

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δικαιοσύνης13 of 21

righteousness

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

οὐ14 of 21

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

παύσῃ15 of 21

cease

G3973

to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end

διαστρέφων16 of 21

to pervert

G1294

to distort, i.e., (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt

τὰς17 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδοὺς18 of 21

ways

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

κυρίου19 of 21

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τὰς20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐθείας21 of 21

the right

G2117

straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 13:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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