King James Version
Acts 8:18 in the King James Version says “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,” — study this verse from Acts chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,”
Acts 8:18 · KJV
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“saw”
G2300to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
“hands”
G5495the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
“of the apostles”
G652a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
“was given”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
“Ghost”
G4151a 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
“the Holy”
G40sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
“he offered”
G4374to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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.
Acts 8:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Acts 8:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge