King James Version

What Does Acts 19:13 Mean?

Acts 19:13 in the King James Version says “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lo... — study this verse from Acts chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Acts 19:13 · KJV


Context

11

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

12

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

13

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

14

And there were seven sons of one Sceva , a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

15

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.' These Jewish exorcists treated Jesus' name as a magical formula, not submitting to Him as Lord. Their attempt shows religion without relationship, invoking Christ's name without knowing Christ personally.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish exorcists were common in the ancient world (cf. Matthew 12:27). They used elaborate incantations and divine names to expel demons. These practitioners tried to add Jesus' name to their arsenal without genuine faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What's the difference between invoking Jesus' name and knowing Jesus personally?
  2. How do people today use Christianity as a technique rather than a relationship?
  3. Why doesn't magical use of Jesus' name carry spiritual authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ἐπεχείρησαν1 of 30

took upon them

G2021

to put the hand upon, i.e., undertake

δέ2 of 30

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

τινες3 of 30

certain

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀπὸ4 of 30

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν5 of 30
G3588

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

περιερχομένων6 of 30

the vagabond

G4022

to come all around, i.e., stroll, vacillate, veer

Ἰουδαίων7 of 30

Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἐξορκιστῶν8 of 30

exorcists

G1845

one that binds by an oath (or spell), i.e., (by implication) an "exorcist" (conjurer)

ὀνομάζειν9 of 30

to call

G3687

to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess

ἐπὶ10 of 30

over

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς11 of 30
G3588

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

ἔχοντας12 of 30

them which had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὰ13 of 30
G3588

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

πνεύματα14 of 30

spirits

G4151

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

τὰ15 of 30
G3588

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

πονηρὰ16 of 30

evil

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

τὸ17 of 30
G3588

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

ὄνομα18 of 30

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ19 of 30
G3588

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

κυρίου20 of 30

of the Lord

G2962

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

Ἰησοῦν21 of 30

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

λέγοντες22 of 30

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ὁρκίζομεν23 of 30

We adjure

G3726

to put on oath, i.e., make swear; by analogy, to solemnly enjoin

ὑμᾶς24 of 30

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τὸν25 of 30
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν26 of 30

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὃν27 of 30

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

28 of 30
G3588

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

Παῦλος29 of 30

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

κηρύσσει30 of 30

preacheth

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)


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 19:13 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 19:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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