Acts 13:8

Acts 13:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

King James Version KJV

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

American Standard Version ASV

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But Elymas, the wonder-worker (for that is the sense of his name), put himself against them, with the purpose of turning the ruler from the faith.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the magician Elymas (his Greek name) opposed them, trying to prevent the governor from trusting in God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But Elymas, ye sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstoode them, and sought to turne away the Deputie from the faith.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and there withstood them Elymas the magian — for so is his name interpreted — seeking to pervert the proconsul from the faith.

World English Bible WEB

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But Elymas the magician (for so his name is interpreted) withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith.

Translation for Translators T4T

However, the magician, whose name was Elymas in the Greek language, was opposing them. He repeatedly tried to persuade the governor not to believe in Jesus.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 13:8

BAB

Word Study

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Acts 13:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ανθιστατο δε αυτοις ελυμας ο μαγος ουτως γαρ μεθερμηνευεται το ονομα αυτου ζητων διαστρεψαι τον ανθυπατον απο της πιστεως

ανθιστατο anthistēmi G436 to oppose Verb-IMI-3S

δε de G1161 then Conj

αυτοις autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DPM

ελυμας Elumas G1681 Elymas Noun-NSM

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

μαγος magos G3097 sage Noun-NSM

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 thus(-ly) Adv

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

μεθερμηνευεται methermēneuō G3177 to mean Verb-PPI-3S

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSN

ονομα onoma G3686 name Noun-NSN

αυτου autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSM

ζητων zēteō G2212 to seek Verb-PAP-NSM

διαστρεψαι diastrephō G1294 to pervert Verb-AAN

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

ανθυπατον anthupatos G446 proconsul Noun-ASM

απο apo G575 away from Prep

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

πιστεως pistis G4102 faith Noun-GSF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 13:8

ανθιστατο anthistēmi G436 "to oppose" Verb-IMI-3S

To oppose means to stand against something or someone, as seen in Matthew 5:39 and Romans 9:19. It is about resisting or withstanding a force or idea.

Definition: ἀνθ-ίοτημι (ἀντί, ἵστημι), [in LXX for עָמַד, יָצַב, etc. ;] __1. in pres., impf., fut. and 1 aor. act., causal, to set against. __2. In mid, and pass., also pf. and 2 aor. act., to withstand, resist, oppose: with dative, Mat.5:39, Luk.21:15, Act.6:10 13:8, Rom.9:19 13:2, Gal.2:11, Eph.6:13, 2Ti.3:8 4:15, Jas.4:7, 1Pe.5:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: resist, withstand See also: 1 Peter 5:9; Galatians 2:11; James 4:7.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

αυτοις autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DPM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

ελυμας Elumas G1681 "Elymas" Noun-NSM

Elymas, a wizard who opposed Paul in Acts 13:8, trying to stop him from spreading the gospel.

Definition: Ἐλύμας, -α, ὁ (Aram. or Arab., cf. DB, i, 246 b) Elymas: Act.13:8.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: Elymas See also: Acts 13:8.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

μαγος magos G3097 "sage" Noun-NSM

A Magian was a wise man or magician from a Median tribe, known for their scientific knowledge and spiritual practices, as seen in Matthew 2:1 where they visited Jesus.

Definition: μάγος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX for אַשָּׁף, Dan LXX TH Dan.2:2, 10, al. (cf. chief magian, Jer.39:3, 13) ;] __1. one of the Μάγοι, a Median tribe (Hat). __2. a Magian, one of a sacred caste, originally Median, who seem to have conformed to the Persian religion, while retaining some of their old beliefs (see DB, I vol., 565 f.; DB, iii, 203 ff.): Mat.2:1, 7 2:16 __3. a wizard, sorcerer: Act.13:6, 8 (cf. Wis.17:7, Act.8:9; ?Act.8:1).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: sorcerer, wise man See also: Acts 13:6; Matthew 2:1; Matthew 2:16.

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 "thus(-ly)" Adv

Thus means in this way or like this, as when Jesus teaches us to pray in Matthew 5:16 and Luke 1:25.

Definition: οὕτως, rarely (Bl., §5, 4; WH, App., 146f.) οὕτω, adv. (οὗτος), [in LXX chiefly for כֵּן ;] in this way, so, thus; __1. referring to what precedes: Mat.5:16 6:30, Mrk.10:43 14:59, Luk.1:25 2:48 15:7, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:15, 1Co.8:12, al.; οὕτως καί, Mat.17:12, Mrk.13:29, al.; pleonastically, resuming a ptcp. (cl.; see Bl., §74, 6), Act.20:11 27:17. __2. Referring to what follows: Mat.1:18 6:9, Luk.19:31, Jhn.21:1, 1Pe.2:15; bef. quotations from OT, Mat.2:5, Act.7:6, 1Co.15:45, Heb.4:4. __3. C. adj. (marking intensity): Heb.12:21, Rev.16:18; similarly with adv., Gal.1:6 (cl.). __4. As a predicate (Bl., §76, 1): Mat.1:18 9:33, Mrk.2:1, 2 4:26, Rom.4:18 9:20, I Pe 2:15; οὕ ἔχειν (Lat. sic or ita se habere), Act.7:1, al.; ἐκαθέζετο (as he was, without delay or preparation), Jhn.4:6. __5. In comparison, with correlative adv.: καθάπερ . . . οὕ., Rom.12:4, 5 al.; καθὼς . . . οὕ., Luk.11:30, al.; οὕ. . . . καθώς, Luk.24:24, al.; ὡς . . . οὕ., Rom.5:15, al.; οὕ . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, al; ὥσπερ . . . οὕ., Mat.12:40, al.; οὕ. . . . οὕ., 1Co.7:7. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 206 NT verses. KJV: after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; James 3:10; 1 Peter 2:15.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

μεθερμηνευεται methermēneuō G3177 "to mean" Verb-PPI-3S

This word means to translate or interpret, like in Matthew 1:23 where it talks about translating a name. It's about explaining or interpreting the meaning of something, often used in the context of languages or biblical texts.

Definition: μεθερμηνεύω [in LXX: Sirach prologue 23 * ;] to translate, interpret: Mat.1:23, Mrk.5:41 15:22, 34, Jhn.1:38, 42, Act.4:36 13:8 (cf. ἑρμηνεύω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: (by) interpret(-ation) See also: Acts 4:36; Mark 5:41; Matthew 1:23.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ονομα onoma G3686 "name" Noun-NSN

A name refers to a person's character or authority, as in Matthew 10:2 and John 18:10. It represents who someone is or what they are known for. Jesus taught about the importance of a good name and reputation.

Definition: ὄνομα, -τος, τό, [in LXX chiefly for שֵׁם ;] __1. in general, the name by which a person or thing is called: Mat.10:2, Mrk.3:16, Luk.1:63, Jhn.18:10, al.; ἄνθρωπος (etc.), ᾧ (οὗ) ὄ. (τ. ὄ), sc. ἦν or ἐστίν (BL, §30, 3), Mrk.14:32, Luk.1:26, 27; with same ellipsis, καὶ τ. ὄ. αὐτοῦ, Luk.1:5, Jhn.1:6, al.; ὀνόματι, before nom. prop., Mat.27:32, Mrk.5:22, Luk.1:5, Act.5:1, al.; accusative absol. (Bl., §34, 7), τοὔνομα (= τ. ὄνομα), Mat.27:57; ὄ. μοι (sc. ἐστίν; cf. Hom., Od., ix, 366), Mrk.5:9 (cf. Luk.8:30); ἔξειν ὄ., Rev.9:11; καλεῖν (ἐπιτιθέναι) ὄ. (Bl., §33, 1), Mat.1:21, Mrk.3:16; τ. ὄ. ἐν (τ.) βίβλῳ ζωῆς (cf. Deiss., LAE, 121), Php.4:3, Rev.13:8, cf. Luk.10:20 (ἐν τ. οὐρανοῖς); ὄ. βλασφημίας, Rev.13:1; the name as opposite to the reality, Rev.3:1 (cf. Hdt., vii, 138); as a title: Eph.1:21, Php.2:9, 10 (Lft., in l.). __2. By a usage similar to that with ref. to Heb. שֵׁם (Lft., Notes, 106f.), but also common in Hellenistic (M, Pr., 100; Bl., §39, 4; Deiss, BS, 146f., 196f.; LAE, 123:4, of all that the name implies, of rank, authority, character, etc.: of acting on one's authority or in his behalf, ἐν (εἰς) ὄ., with genitive of person(s) (see reff. supr.), Mat.10:41 21:9 28:19, Mrk.11:9, Luk.13:35, Jhn.5:43, Act.8:16, 1Co.1:13; of the name Christian, 1Pe.4:16; esp. of the name of God as expressing the divine attributes: ἁγιάζειν (ἅγιον) τὸ ὄ. (τ. Πατρός, Κυρίου), Mat.6:9, Luk.1:49 11:2; ψάλλειν (ὁμολογεῖν) τῷ ὀ., Rom.15:9, Heb.13:15; δοξάζειν (φανεροῦν, φοβεῖσθαι) τὸ ὄ., Jhn.12:28 17:6, 26 Rev.11:18 15:4; βλασφημεῖν, Rom.2:24, 1Ti.6:1, Rev.13:6; similarly, of the name of Christ: τ. καλὂν ὄ. (Deiss., LAE, 276); πιστεύειν τῷ ὀ., 1Jn.3:23; π. εἰς τ. ὄ. (Bl., §39, 4), Jhn.1:12 2:23 3:18; ὀνομάζειν τὸ ὄ., 2Ti.2:19; κρατεῖν, Rev.2:13; οὐκ ἀρνεῖσθαι, Rev.3:8; ἐν τ. ὀ. (see reff. supr.), Mrk.9:38 16:[17], Luk.10:17, Jhn.14:13 16:23, 24 20:31, Act.3:6 4:12, Eph.5:20, 1Pe.4:14, al.; εἰς τ. ὄ. συνάγεσθαι, Mat.18:20; ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀ., Mat.19:29; διὰ τὸ ὄ., Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, al.; διὰ τοῦ ὀ., 1Co.1:10; ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀ., Act.9:16, Rom.1:5, al.; id. absol., Act.5:41, 3Jo.7; πρὸς τὸ ὄ., Act.26:9. __3. cause, ground, reason (in cl., usually in bad sense, pretext): Mrk.9:41 (Swete, in l.; Dalman, Words, 305f.). __4. In late Greek (Deiss., BS., 196f.), an individual, a person: Act.1:15, Rev.3:4 11:13. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 214 NT verses. KJV: called, (+ sur-)name(-d) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; John 16:23; 1 Peter 4:14.

αυτου autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

ζητων zēteō G2212 "to seek" Verb-PAP-NSM

To seek something means to look for it or try to find it, like when Jesus teaches to seek first God's kingdom in Matthew 7:7. It can also mean to worship or plot against someone.

Definition: ζητέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for בּקשׁ pi., also for דּרשׁ, etc. ;] __1. to seek, seek for: Mat.7:7, 8 Luk.11:9, 10; with accusative of person(s), Mrk.1:37, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:24, al.; id. before ἐν, Act.9:11; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.13:45, Luk.19:10; before ἐν, Luk.13:6, 7; ψυχήν, of plotting against one's life ( Exo.4:19, al.), Mat.2:20, Rom.11:3" (LXX) . Metaphorical, to seek by thinking, search after, inquire into: Mrk.11:18, Luk.12:28, Jhn.16:19; τ. θεόν, Act.17:27. __2. to seek or strive after, desire: Mat.12:46, Mrk.12:12, Luk.9:9, Jhn.5:18, Rom.10:3, al.; τ. θάνατον, Rev.9:6; τ. βασιλείαν τ. θεοῦ, Mat.6:33 (Dalman, Words, 121f.); τὰ ἄνω, Col.3:1; εἰρήνην, 1Pe.3:11 (LXX). __3. to require, demand: with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.8:12, Luk.11:29, 1Co.1:22, 2Co.13:3; before παρά, Mrk.8:11, al.; ἵνα, 1Co.4:2 (cf. ἀνα-, ἐκ-, ἐπι-, συν-ζητέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 115 NT verses. KJV: be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 18:8; 1 Peter 3:11.

διαστρεψαι diastrephō G1294 "to pervert" Verb-AAN

This word means to pervert or distort something, like twisting the truth. In Luke 23:2, the Jewish leaders accused Jesus of perverting the nation.

Definition: δια-στρέφω [in LXX for הָפַךְ, עָקַשׁ, etc. ;] to distort, twist; metaphorically, to distort, pervert: Luk.23:2, Act.13:8, 10; διεστραμμένος, perverse: Mat.17:17, Luk.9:41, Act.20:30, Php.2:15.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: perverse(-rt), turn away See also: Acts 13:8; Luke 9:41; Philippians 2:15.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ανθυπατον anthupatos G446 "proconsul" Noun-ASM

A proconsul is a high-ranking Roman official who governs a province, like in Acts 13:7-8, where Sergius Paulus is the proconsul of Cyprus.

Definition: ἀνθύπατος -ου, ὁ (ἀντί, ὕπατος, altern. for ὑπέρτατος), supreme, a consul, one acting in place of a consul, a proconsul, the administrator of a senatorial province (cf. ἡγεμών, and see MM, VGT, 44): Act.13:7-8, 12 18:12 19:38.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: deputy See also: Acts 13:7; Acts 13:12; Acts 19:38.

απο apo G575 "away from" Prep

This word means moving away from something, like a place or a time. It's used in many parts of the Bible, like Matthew 5:29 and Luke 5:2, to show movement or separation. It can also mean because of something.

Definition: ἀπό (on the frequently neglect of elision bef. vowels, see Tdf., Pr., 94, WH, App., 146), prep. with genitive (WM, 462ff.; on its relation to ἐκ, παρά, ὑπό, ib. 456f.), [in LXX for לְ ,בְּ ,מִן ;] from (i.e. from the exterior). __1. Of separation and cessation; __(1) of motion from a place: Mat.5:29, 30 7:23, Luk.5:2 22:41, al.; __(2) in partitive sense (M, Pr., 72, 102, 245; MM, see word; Bl., §40, 2), Mat.9:16 27:21, Jhn.21:10, Act.5:2, al.; also after verbs of eating, etc.; __(3) of alienation (cl. genitive of separation), after such verbs as λούω (Deiss., BS, 227), λύω, σώζω, παύω, etc.; ἀνάθεμα ἀ., Rom.9:3; ἀποθνήσκειν ἀ., Col.2:20; σαλευθῆναι, 2Th.2:2, καθαρός, -ίζειν, ἀ. (Deiss., BS, 196, 216), Act.20:26, 2Co.7:1, Heb.9:14; __(4) of position, Mat.23:34 24:31, al.; after μακράν, Mat.8:30; transposed before measures of distance, Jhn.10:18 21:8, Rev.14:20 (Abbott, JG, 227); __(5) of time, ἀπὸ τ. ὥρας, ἡμέρας, etc., Mat.9:22, Jhn.19:27, Act.20:18, Php.1:5, al.; ἀπ᾽ αἰῶνος, Luk.1:70, al.; ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς, etc., Mat.19:4, Rom.1:20; ἀπὸ βρέφους, 2Ti.3:15; ἀφ᾽ ἧς, since, Luk.7:45, al.; ἀπὸ τ. νῦν, Luk.1:48, al.; ἀπὸ τότε, Mat.4:17, al.; ἀπὸ πέρυσι, a year ago, 2Co.8:10 9:2; ἀπὸ πρωΐ, Act.28:23; __(6) of order or rank, ἀπὸ διετοῦς, Mat.2:16; ἀπὸ Ἀβραάμ, Mat.1:17; ἐβδομος ἀπὸ Ἀδάμ, Ju 14; ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου, Act.8:10, Heb.8:11; ἄρχεσθαι ἀπό, Mat.20:8, Jhn.8:9, Act.8:35, al. __2. Of origin; __(1) of birth, extraction, and hence, in late writers, __(a) of local extraction (cl. ἐξ; Abbott, JG, 227ff.), Mat.21:11, Mrk.15:43, Jhn.1:45, Act.10:38, al.; οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας (WM, §66, 6; M, Pr., 237; Westc, Rendall, in l.), Heb.13:24; __(b) of membership in a community or society (BL, §40, 2), Act.12:1, al.; __(with) of material (= cl. genitive; Bl. l.with; M, Pr., 102), Mat.3:4 27:21; __(d) after verbs of asking, seeking, etc., Luk.11:50, 51 1Th.2:6 (Milligan, in l.); __(2) of the cause, instrument, means or occasion (frequently = ὑπό, παρά, and after verbs of learning, hearing, knowing, etc.; Bl., §40, 3), Mat.7:16 11:29, Luk.22:45, Act.2:22 4:36 9:13 12:14, 1Co.11:23, Gal.3:2, al.; ἀπὸ τ. ὄχλου, Luk.19:3 (cf. Jhn.21:6, Act.22:11); ἀπὸ τ. φόβου, Mat.14:26, al. (cf. Mat.10:26 13:44). __3. Noteworthy Hellenistic phrases: φοβεῖσθαι ἀπό (M, Pr., 102, 107); προσέχειν ἀπό (M, Pr., 11. with; Milligan, NTD, 50); ἀπὸ νότου (Heb. מִגֶּנֶב), Rev.21:13; ἀπὸ προσώπου (מִפְּנֵי), 2Th.1:9 (Bl., §40, 9); ἀπὸ τ. καρδιῶν (בְּלֵב), Mat.18:35; ἀπὸ ὁ ὤν (WM, §10, 2; M, Pr., 9), Rev.1:4. __4. In composition, ἀπό denotes separation, departure, origin, etc. (ἀπολύω, ἀπέρχομαι, ἀπογράφω); it also has a perfective force (M, Pr., 112, 247), as in ἀφικνεῖσθαι, which see (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 600 NT verses. KJV: (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Acts 8:10; 1 Peter 1:12.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πιστεως pistis G4102 "faith" Noun-GSF

Faith is the meaning of this word, which involves trust and confidence in God or Jesus Christ. It's used in Matthew 8:10 and Romans 1:8, showing reliance on God's power and promises.

Definition: πίστις, -εως, ἡ (πείθω), [in LXX chiefly for אֱמוּנָה ;] __1. in active sense, faith, belief, trust, confidence, in NT always of religious faith in God or Christ or spiritual things: Mat.8:10, Luk.5:20, Act.14:9, Rom.1:8, 1Co.2:5, 2Co.1:24, 1Ti.1:5, al.; with genitive obj., Mrk.11:22, Act.3:16, Rom.3:22, Gal.2:16, Eph.3:12, Jas.2:1, al.; with prep., ἐν, Rom.3:25, Gal.3:26, Eph.1:15, Col.1:24, 1Ti.1:14 3:13, 2Ti.1:13 3:15, 2Pe.1:1; εἰς, Act.20:21 24:24 26:18, Col.2:5, 1Pe.1:21; πρός, 1Th.1:8, Phm 5; ἐπί, with accusative Heb.6:1; ἐν τῇ π. στήκειν (εἶναι, μένειν), 1Co.16:13, 1Co.13:5, 1Ti.2:15; ὑπακοὴ τῆς π., Rom.1:5 16:26; ὁ ἐκ π., Rom.3:26 4:16, Gal.3:12; διὰ (τῆς) π., Rom.3:30, Gal.2:16, Php.3:9. By meton., objectively, that which is the object or content of belief, the faith: Act.6:7 14:22, Gal.1:23 3:23 6:10, Php.1:26, 27 Ju 3, 20, and perh. also Act.13:8 16:5, Rom.1:5 and 16:26 (see supr.), 1Co.16:13, Col.1:23, 2Th.3:2 (Lft., Notes, 125), 1Ti.1:19 3:9 4:1, 6 5:8 6:10, 12, 2Ti.3:8 4:7 Tit.1:4, 13 3:15, 1Pe.5:9. __2. In passive sense, __(a) fidelity, faithfulness: Mat.23:23, Gal.5:22; ἡ π. τοῦ θεοῦ, Rom.3:3; __(b) objectively, plighted faith, a pledge of fidelity: 1Ti.5:12. (On the various shades of meaning in which the word is used in NT, see esp. ICC on Rom.1:17, pp. 31ff.; Lft., Ga., 154ff.; Stevens, Th. NT, 422, 515ff.; DB, i, 830ff.; Cremer, see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity See also: 1 Corinthians 2:5; Galatians 3:23; 1 Peter 1:5.

Study Notes — Acts 13:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 13:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 13:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 13:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 13:8
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 13:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 13:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 13:8
Cambridge Bible on Acts 13:8
Barnes' Notes on Acts 13:8
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 13:8
Sermons on Acts 13:8

Context — On Cyprus

6They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

8But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

9Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas 10and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Timothy 3:8	Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.
2	Acts 13:6–7	They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.
3	2 Timothy 4:14–15	Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.
4	Acts 9:36	In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.
5	Acts 13:12	When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
6	Acts 6:7	So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.
7	Jeremiah 28:1	In the fifth month of that same year, the fourth year, near the beginning of the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, who was from Gibeon, said to me in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people:
8	Acts 8:9	Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great,
9	Jeremiah 28:10–11	Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke it. And in the presence of all the people Hananiah proclaimed, “This is what the LORD says: ‘In this way, within two years I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon off the neck of all the nations.’” At this, Jeremiah the prophet went on his way.
10	Exodus 7:11–13	But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs. Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.

Acts 13:8 Summary

[This verse tells us about a man named Elymas who was trying to stop the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, from hearing about God's love. Elymas was a sorcerer, which means he practiced magic and tried to use his powers to influence people, similar to what we see in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. But God was not going to let Elymas get in the way of His plan, as we see in Isaiah 46:10. We can learn from this that God is more powerful than any kind of opposition, and He will always accomplish His will, as seen in Romans 8:28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Elymas and what is the meaning of his name?

Elymas, also known as Bar-Jesus, was a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet, and his name means 'sorcerer' or 'magician', indicating his involvement in occult practices, as seen in Acts 13:6 and Ezekiel 13:6-7.

Why did Elymas oppose Barnabas and Saul?

Elymas opposed them because he wanted to maintain his influence over the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, and prevent him from hearing the truth of the Gospel, as seen in Acts 13:7-8, similar to how Satan opposes God's work in 1 Peter 5:8.

What can we learn from Elymas' actions in this verse?

We can learn that those who oppose the Gospel often do so out of self-interest or a desire for power and control, as seen in Acts 13:8, and that God will ultimately judge those who hinder His work, as seen in Psalm 76:10.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of spiritual warfare?

This verse highlights the spiritual battle between light and darkness, as seen in Ephesians 6:12, and reminds us that believers must be aware of the enemy's tactics and trust in God's power to overcome them, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be opposing God's work in my own life, and how can I surrender to His will?
How can I discern when someone is trying to lead me away from the faith, and what are some strategies for staying grounded in the truth?
What are some areas in my life where I may be giving in to deceit or trickery, and how can I seek God's help to overcome them?
In what ways can I be a light for Christ in a world that often opposes Him, and what are some ways that I can share the Gospel with those around me?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 13:8

But Elymas the sorcerer, for so is his name by interpretation,.... Not that Magus a sorcerer is by interpretation Elymas; as if Luke was interpreting the Persic word "Magus", which is sometimes used

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 13:8

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. But Elymas the sorcerer (or 'the wise') (for so is his name by interpretation).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 13:8

Elymas; this is another name of him that was called Bar-jesus, which was not unusual, as Simon Bar-jona, . This Elymas may be taken appellatively, and signifies the magician or sorcerer; but being it was a proper name unto others we read of, it may be so here.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 13:8

8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Ver. 8. But Elymas] Elymais is a part of Persia, the proper country of the magicians given to devilish arts. The devil daily commits the sin against the Holy Ghost, by opposing the known truth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 13:8

(8) But Elymas the sorcerer.—See Note on Acts 13:6. The charlatan feared the loss of the influence which he had previously exercised over the mind of the proconsul. His victim was emancipating himself from his bondage and was passing from credulity to faith, and that progress Bar-jesus sought to check.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 13:8

Verse 8. But Elymas, the sorcerer, (for so is his name by interpretation)] That is, Elymas is the interpretation of the word μαγος, or sorcerer; not of the word Bar-Jesus as some have imagined; and to support which they have been led into strange etymologies on the word βαριησους, Bar-Jesus. But how is Elymas, ελυμας, the interpretation of the word μαγος, magician or sorcerer? Ans. Both names are Asiatic; but neither Hebrew nor Greek. I have already observed, in Clarke's note on "Matthew 2:1", that [Persic] mogh in Persian means an idolater, a worshipper of fire, and sometimes what we term a magician. Elymas is from the Arabic [Arabic] ilm, knowledge, science, doctrine, art; from alama, he was wise, skilled, c. hence [Persic] aleem or alymon, a doctor or learned man, and, with the Greek termination, ελυμας, Elymas, the interpretation of [Persic] mogh, Greek μαγος, magos, a magician, a wise man, doctor, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 13:8

8. seeking to turn away [aside] the deputy [proconsul] from the faith] Sergius had not yet accepted the doctrine of the Apostles, though we may presume that both he and Elymas had heard much about their teaching since their landing at Salamis. Report going before had roused the proconsul’s curiosity and the magician’s fear, and the wish of the latter was to divert the attention of Sergius, that he might not send for the new teachers.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 13:8

)But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) - Elymas the magician.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 13:8

8. Elymas—An Oriental name signifying wise-one, or wizard, and was doubtless assumed as a profession of knowledge of supernatural matters.

Sermons on Acts 13:8

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 7:10-13 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the worship of a monster-like creature in ancient Egypt that aimed to prevent the rising of the sun god Ra and create chaos in the form of st
	(Saved Through the Fire) 12 - God's True Message by Milton Green	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's message for today. He refers to various parts of the Bible, particularly Ezekiel 7 and Matthew 24, to e
	The Faith" or Something Else? by H.J. Vine	H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of holding onto the faith once delivered to the saints, using the conversion of Paul as an example of God's grace and the need to fight the
	Epistle 388 by George Fox	George Fox preaches to captives in Algiers, urging them to know and do God's will in humility and fear, living lives that preach godliness and righteousness to all, including Turks
	Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up? by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the
	Modern Day Witchcraft and Sorceries Exposed by Mose Stoltzfus	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of addressing and exposing sin in society. He believes that people are often unaware of their own sins and need to be awakened
	Spirit of Perversion - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to stand firm in their faith and resist the temptations of the world, highlighting the challenges faced by early missionaries and the