King James Version

What Does Acts 8:11 Mean?

Acts 8:11 in the King James Version says “And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.”

Acts 8:11 · KJV

Context

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:

10

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

11

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done . miracles: Gr. signs and great miracles

Read Acts 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. Simon Magus had maintained spiritual authority over Samaritans through occult practices, demonstrating how false religion enslaves through deception and manipulation.

The phrase had regard indicates respect, attention, and submission. Simon's influence resulted from his bewitching—Greek existēmi, meaning to amaze or astound through extraordinary phenomena. Yet his power derived not from God but from demonic sources or skilled deception.

The contrast with Philip is stark: Simon bewitched (enslaved through deception), while Philip proclaimed truth that liberates. False religion offers spectacular displays that impress but don't transform; true gospel offers grace that saves. Reformed theology emphasizes discernment—not all supernatural phenomena originate with God.

This warns against evaluating spiritual authority solely by external displays of power. True apostolic ministry produces genuine conversion, not mere amazement. The Samaritans' long captivity to Simon's sorcery shows how false teaching establishes deep roots, requiring gospel truth's liberating power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Simon Magus became a significant figure in early church history and anti-heretical literature. Church fathers identified him as a proto-Gnostic, allegedly founding a heretical sect. His attempt to purchase apostolic power (Acts 8:18-19) gave rise to the term 'simony'—buying or selling spiritual office.

Sorcery and magic flourished in the Greco-Roman world. Samaritans' heterodox Judaism may have made them vulnerable to syncretistic spiritual practices. The lengthy duration (of long time) indicates Simon's established influence, making the Samaritans' conversion to Christ even more remarkable—demonstrating gospel power over entrenched spiritual bondage.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers discern between genuine spiritual power and deceptive spiritual manipulation?
  2. What characteristics distinguish true gospel ministry from false teachers who 'bewitch' through impressive displays?
  3. In what ways do modern spiritual movements repeat Simon's pattern of amazing people without transforming them?
  4. How does the gospel liberate those enslaved to false religious systems?
  5. What responsibility do church leaders bear to protect congregations from spiritual deception?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
προσεῖχον1 of 11

“they had regard”

G4337

(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to

δὲ2 of 11

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτούς3 of 11

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

διὰ4 of 11

“because”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ5 of 11
G3588

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

ἱκανῷ6 of 11

“that of long”

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

χρόνῳ7 of 11

“time”

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

ταῖς8 of 11
G3588

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

μαγείαις9 of 11

“with sorceries”

G3095

"magic"

ἐξεστακέναι10 of 11

“he had bewitched”

G1839

to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane

αὐτούς11 of 11

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 8:11 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 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:1Acts 8:9Isaiah 8:19Isaiah 44:25Isaiah 47:9-13

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