King James Version

What Does Acts 8:19 Mean?

Acts 8:19 in the King James Version says “Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. — study this verse from Acts chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:19 · KJV


Context

17

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Simon's request 'give me also this power' exposes his desire for authority over the Spirit's distribution. He wanted apostolic power for himself, not to serve God but to enhance his own influence and prestige. The offer of money shows he viewed spiritual gifts as commodities to be traded. Reformed theology sees this as the essence of carnality - seeking to control and manipulate God's gifts for selfish ends. True spiritual power comes through humble submission to God's sovereignty, not through human acquisition or merit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Simon's background in sorcery likely influenced his transactional view of spiritual power. In the ancient world, magical power was thought to be transferable through payment, ritual, or acquisition of secret knowledge. Simon applied this pagan framework to the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does desire for spiritual power for self-advancement indicate an unregenerate heart?
  2. In what subtle ways do we try to control or manipulate God's gifts?
  3. What is the proper attitude toward spiritual gifts and power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
λέγων,1 of 15

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

Δότε2 of 15

Give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

κἀμοὶ3 of 15

me also

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

τὴν4 of 15
G3588

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

ἐξουσίαν5 of 15

power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ταύτην6 of 15
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἵνα7 of 15

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

8 of 15

whomsoever

G3739

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

ἂν9 of 15
G302

whatsoever

ἐπιθῶ10 of 15

I lay

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

τὰς11 of 15
G3588

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

χεῖρας12 of 15

hands

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

λαμβάνῃ13 of 15

he may receive

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

πνεῦμα14 of 15

Ghost

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

ἅγιον15 of 15

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)


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 8:19 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 8:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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