King James Version

What Does Acts 8:9 Mean?

Acts 8:9 in the King James Version says “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of S... — study this verse from Acts chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Acts 8:9 · KJV


Context

7

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8

And there was great joy in that city.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Simon the sorcerer had 'bewitched' (Greek existemi - amazed/astonished) Samaria with magic arts, claiming greatness. His influence preceded Philip's arrival. The mention of his sorcery establishes a contrast between demonic power and the Holy Spirit's power. Reformed theology recognizes Satan's counterfeit miracles that deceive, requiring discernment to distinguish God's genuine work from demonic deception. Simon's later attempt to buy the Spirit's power (v.18-19) would reveal his unregenerate heart despite outward profession.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Magic and sorcery were common in the ancient world. Samaritans were particularly known for occult practices. Simon's influence suggests he was a prominent figure, possibly claiming to be the Samaritan Taheb (prophet like Moses) or a divine emanation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish genuine Holy Spirit power from counterfeit spiritual manifestations?
  2. What attracts people to occult power rather than submitting to God's authority?
  3. Why does Satan use counterfeit miracles to deceive and oppose God's truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Ἀνὴρ1 of 21

man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

δέ2 of 21

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τινα3 of 21

some

G5100

some or any person or object

ὀνόματι4 of 21

called

G3686

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

Σίμων5 of 21

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

προϋπῆρχεν6 of 21

which beforetime

G4391

to exist before, i.e., (adverbially) to be or do something previously

ἐν7 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ8 of 21
G3588

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

πόλει9 of 21

the same city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

μαγεύων10 of 21

used sorcery

G3096

to practice magic

καὶ11 of 21

and

G2532

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

ἐξιστῶν12 of 21

bewitched

G1839

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

τὸ13 of 21
G3588

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

ἔθνος14 of 21

the people

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

τῆς15 of 21
G3588

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

Σαμαρείας16 of 21

of Samaria

G4540

samaria (i.e., shomeron), a city and region of palestine

λέγων17 of 21

giving out

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

εἶναί18 of 21

was

G1511

to exist

τινα19 of 21

some

G5100

some or any person or object

ἑαυτὸν20 of 21

that himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

μέγαν21 of 21

great one

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)


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 8:9 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 8:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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