Acts 19:19

Acts 19:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.

King James Version KJV

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

American Standard Version ASV

And not a few of them that practised magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And a great number of those who were experts in strange arts took their books and put them on the fire in front of everyone: and when the books were valued they came to fifty thousand bits of silver.

Free Bible Version FBV

A number of those who used to practice sorcery collected their books on magic and brought them to be burned publicly. They worked out how much the books were worth, and the total was fifty thousand silver coins.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Many also of them which vsed curious artes, brought their bookes, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fiftie thousand pieces of siluer.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and many of those who had practised the curious arts, having brought the books together, were burning [them] before all; and they reckoned together the prices of them, and found [it] five myriads of silverlings;

World English Bible WEB

Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. They counted their price, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Many also of them who used curious arts, brought their books together, and burned them before all men ; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And many of them who had followed curious arts, brought together their books, and burnt them before all; and counting the price of them, they found the money to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Translation for Translators T4T

Several of those who had previously practiced sorcery gathered up their scrolls that told how to work magic and burned them in a public place. When people added up how much those scrolls had cost, they realized that altogether the amount was 50,000 valuable silver coins.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 19:19

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Acts 19:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ικανοι δε των τα περιεργα πραξαντων συνενεγκαντες τας βιβλους κατεκαιον ενωπιον παντων και συνεψηφισαν τας τιμας αυτων και ευρον αργυριου μυριαδας πεντε

ικανοι hikanos G2425 sufficient Adj-NPM

δε de G1161 then Conj

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APN

περιεργα periergos G4021 meddlesome/magic Adj-APN

πραξαντων prassō G4238 to do/require Verb-AAP-GPM

συνενεγκαντες sumpherō G4851 be profitable Verb-2AAP-NPM

τας ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APF

βιβλους biblos G976 book Noun-APF

κατεκαιον katakaiō G2618 to burn Verb-IAI-3P

ενωπιον enōpion G1799 before Prep

παντων pas G3956 all Adj-GPM

και kai G2532 and Conj

συνεψηφισαν sumpsēphizō G4860 to calculate Verb-AAI-3P

τας ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APF

τιμας timē G5092 honor Noun-APF

αυτων autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GPF

και kai G2532 and Conj

ευρον ehuriskō G2147 to find/meet Verb-2AAI-3P

αργυριου argurion G694 money Noun-GSN

μυριαδας murias G3461 myriad Noun-APF

πεντε pente G4002 five Adj-NUI

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 19:19

ικανοι hikanos G2425 "sufficient" Adj-NPM

In the Bible, this word means being sufficient or competent, like having enough skills or resources to get the job done. Jesus used it to describe John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11. It can also refer to having a strong character.

Definition: ἱκανός, -ή, -όν (ἵκω, ἱκάνω, to reach, attain), [in LXX for דַּי, etc. ;] __1. of persons, suffcient, competent, fit: with inf., Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:7, Luk.3:16, 1Co.15:9, 2Co.3:6, 2Ti.2:2; before πρός, 2Co.2:16; before ἵνα, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6. __2. Of things, in number, quantity or size, sufficient, enough, much, many: absol., ἱκανοί, Luk.7:11 (WH, R, omit) Luk.8:32, Act.12:12 14:21 19:19, 1Co.11:30; ὄχλος ἱ., Mrk.10:46, Luk.7:12, Act.11:24, 26 19:26; κλαυθμός, Act.20:37; ἀργύρια, Mat.28:12; λαμπάδες, Act.20:8; λόγοι, Luk.23:9; φῶς, Act.22:6; ἱ, ἐστιν (cf. לָכֶם רַב, LXX ἱκανούσθω, Deu.3:26), Luk.22:38; τὸ ἱ. ποιεῖν (Lat. satisfacere; cf. Jer.48:30), Mrk.15:15; τὸ ἱ. λαμβάνειν (Lat. satis accipere; see M, Pro.20:1-30 f.), Act.17:9; of time, ἡμέραι ἱ., Act.9:23, 43 18:18 27:7; ἱ. χρόνος, Luk.8:27, Act.8:11 14:3 27:9; pl., Luk.20:9; ἐκ χρόνων ἱ., Luk.23:8; ἀπὸ ἱ. ἐτῶν, Rom.15:23 (WH); ἐφ ̓ ἱκανόν (cf. 2Ma.8:25), Act.20:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 41 NT verses. KJV: able, + content, enough, good, great, large, long (while), many, meet, much, security, sore, sufficient, worthy See also: 1 Corinthians 11:30; Acts 20:11; Matthew 28:12.

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.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

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.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APN

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.

περιεργα periergos G4021 "meddlesome/magic" Adj-APN

Describing someone who is meddlesome or nosy, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:13. This word also refers to magic or curious arts, as seen in Acts 19:19.

Definition: περίεργος, -ον __I. of persons; __1. over careful. __2. curious, meddling, a busybody: 1Ti.5:13. __II. Of things; __1. over-wrought. __2. superfluous. __3. curious, uncanny; τὰ π., curious arts, magic: Act.19:19 (see Deiss., BS, 3235.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: busybody, curious arts See also: 1 Timothy 5:13; Acts 19:19.

πραξαντων prassō G4238 "to do/require" Verb-AAP-GPM

To do or require something means to perform it repeatedly or habitually, as seen in Acts 19:19 and Romans 7:15. It can also mean to achieve or accomplish something.

Definition: πράσσω (Att.. -ττω, and so Act.17:7 Rec.; cf. M, Pr., 25, 45), [in LXX chiefly for עָשָׂה, פָּעַל ;] = Lat agere, as ποιέω (which see) = facere, __1. to do, practise, be engaged in: Act.19:19, 36, 1Co.9:17; τ. ἴδια π., to mind one's own business (τὰ ἑαυτοῦ, Soph., Plat.), 1Th.4:11; intrans., to act, Act.17:7. __2. to achieve, effect, accomplish, perform: Act.26:20, 26 Rom.7:15 9:11, 2Co.5:10, Php.4:9; νόμον (ICC, in l), Rom.2:25; of unworthy acts (for WH. usually ποιέω in cl.), to commit, do: Luk.22:23 23:41, Jhn.3:20 5:29, Act.3:17 5:35 16:28 25:11, 25 26:9, 31, Rom.1:32 (ICC, in l), Rom.2:1-3 7:19 13:4, 1Co.5:2, 2Co.12:21, Gal.5:21. __3. to transact, manage, hence, of payment, to exact (cl.): Luk.3:13 19:23. __4. Reflexively, of state or condition, to do or fare Æsch., Hdt., al.): Eph.6:21; εὖ π. (see M, Pr., 228 f.), Act.15:29.† SYN.: see: ποιέω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: commit, deeds, do, exact, keep, require, use arts See also: 1 Corinthians 9:17; Galatians 5:21; Romans 1:32.

συνενεγκαντες sumpherō G4851 "be profitable" Verb-2AAP-NPM

To be profitable or beneficial, like something that brings advantage or contributes to the greater good, as in 1 Corinthians 6:12.

Definition: συμ-φέρω [in LXX: Jer.33:14 (טוֹב), Pro.19:10 (נָאוֶה), Sir.30:19, al. ;] __1. trans. to bring together: with accusative of thing(s), Act.19:19. __2. Intrans., and mostly impers., συμφέρει, it is expedient, profitable or an advantage: 1Co.6:12 10:23, 2Co.8:10; with inf. (M, Pr., 210), Mat.19:10, Jhn.18:14; with dative, before ἵνα (Bl., § 69, 5), Mat.5:29-30 18:6, Jhn.11:50 16:7. Ptcp., ςυμφέρων, profitable: 1Co.12:7; pl., Act.20:20; (οὐ σ. sc. ἐστιν; = οὐ συμφέρει; cf. Thuc., iii, 44, 2), 2Co.12:1; as subst., τὸ σ., profit, Heb.12:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit(-able for) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:12; Acts 20:20; Hebrews 12:10.

τας ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APF

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.

βιβλους biblos G976 "book" Noun-APF

A sacred book or roll, used in Matthew 1:1 and Luke 3:4 to describe the scriptures and in Revelation 3:5 to describe the book of life.

Definition: βίβλος, -ου, ἡ (variant form of βύβλος, the Egyptian papyrus, paper made from its fibrous coat), [in LXX for סֶפֶר, the form βύβ- being sometimes used ;] a book, a roll, used much less frequently than βιβλίον, and with a "connotation of sacredness and veneration" (MM, Exp., x), Mat.1:1 Mrk.12:26, Luk.3:4 20:42 Act.1:20 7:42 19:19; β. τ. ζωῆς, Php.4:3, Rev.3:5 20:15.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: book See also: Acts 1:20; Luke 20:42; Revelation 3:5.

κατεκαιον katakaiō G2618 "to burn" Verb-IAI-3P

To completely burn or consume something, like in Matthew 3:12 where Jesus talks about burning up the chaff. It can also mean to destroy or annihilate something entirely.

Definition: κατα-καίω [in LXX chiefly for שָׂרַף; in Exo.3:2 (אָכַל pu.), distinguished from καίω ;] to burn up, burn completely: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.13:30 Act.19:19; pass., 1Co.3:15, Heb.13:11, 2Pe.3:10, Rev.8:7; before πυρί Mat.3:12 13:40, Luk.3:17 (cf. Exo.29:14, al.); ἐν πυρί (Deu.9:21, al.): Rev.17:16 18:8.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: burn (up, utterly) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:15; Matthew 3:12; Hebrews 13:11.

ενωπιον enōpion G1799 "before" Prep

In the presence of or before someone, as seen in Luke 1:19 where the angel Gabriel appears before Zechariah. This word means being in someone's sight or presence. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe being in God's presence.

Definition: ἐνώπιος, -ον (ὤψ), [in LXX for פָּנִים, etc. ;] face to face, in sight (Theocr.; ἄρτοι ἐ., Exo.25:29): neut., ἐνώπιον, in vernacular, with force of prep. with genitive [in LXX for פָּנִים, עַיִן, etc., cf. Dalman, Words, 31 f., 209 f., and Deiss., BS., 213], in NT, most frequently in Lk, Ac, Re, never in Mt, Mk, before, in the presence of: Luk.1:19 Luk.4:7, Act.4:10 Act.6:5, Rev.1:4 2:14, al.; esp. ἐ. Κυρίου (θεοῦ), in the sight of God, or with God as witness or as judge, Rom.14:22, 1Co.1:29, 1Ti.2:3, Jas.4:10, 1Pe.3:4, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 88 NT verses. KJV: before, in the presence (sight) of, to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:29; Luke 12:6; 1 Peter 3:4.

παντων pas G3956 "all" Adj-GPM

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

συνεψηφισαν sumpsēphizō G4860 "to calculate" Verb-AAI-3P

This term means to calculate or add up something, like counting the cost of something. In Acts 19:19, it describes people gathering and calculating the value of their magic books before burning them. It's about figuring out the total value of something.

Definition: συμ-ψηφίζω [in LXX: Jer.29:20 (Jer.49:20) A * ;] to reckon together, count up: Act.19:19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: reckon See also: Acts 19:19.

τας ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APF

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.

τιμας timē G5092 "honor" Noun-APF

Honor refers to the value or esteem given to someone or something. In the Bible, it can mean a price paid or the dignity and respect given to a person, as seen in Romans 12:10 and 1 Timothy 5:17.

Definition: τιμή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX for עֵרֶךְ, יְקָר, etc. ;] a valuing, hence, objectively; __1. a price paid or received: with genitive of person(s), Mat.27:9; with genitive of thing(s), Act.5:2-3; pl., Act.4:34 19:19; τ. αἵματος, Mat.27:6; ἠγοράσθητε τιμῆς, 1Co.6:20 7:23; ὠνεῖσθαι τιμῆς ἀργυρίου, Act.7:16. __2. esteem, honour: Rom.12:10 13:7, 1Co.12:23, 1Ti.5:17 6:1, Heb.5:4, 1Pe.2:7 (R, txt., preciousness, cf. Hort, in l), 1Pe.3:7; τ. διδόναι, 1Co.12:24; ἔχειν, Jhn.4:44, Heb.3:3; τ. καὶ δόξα (δ. κ. τ.), Rom.2:7, 10, 1Ti.1:17, Heb.2:7" (LXX), Heb.2:9, 1Pe.1:7, 2Pe.1:17, Rev.4:9, 11 5:12-13 7:12 21:26; τ. καὶ κράτος, 1Ti.6:16; εἰς τ., Rom.9:21, 2Ti.2:20-21; ἐν τ., Col.2:23; 1Th.4:4; by meton., of marks of honour, Act.28:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 41 NT verses. KJV: honour, precious, price, some See also: 1 Corinthians 6:20; Acts 28:10; 1 Peter 1:7.

αυτων autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GPF

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.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ευρον ehuriskō G2147 "to find/meet" Verb-2AAI-3P

To find or discover something, like in Matthew 7:7-8, where Jesus teaches that those who seek will find. This word is about searching and finding, whether it's a physical object or a spiritual truth.

Definition: εὑρίσκω, [in LXX chiefly for מצא, also for נשׂג hi., etc. ;] to find, with or without previous search: absol., opposite to ζητέω, Mat.7:7, 8 Luk.11:9, 10; with accusative, Mat.2:8, Mrk.1:37, Act.13:22, 2Ti.1:17, al.; pass., οὐχ εὑ., of disappearance, Heb.11:5, Rev.16:20, al.; γῆ κ. τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ ἔργα εὑρεθήσεται (for conjectures as to the meaning of this reading, see Mayor, ICC, in l.), 2Pe.3:10, WH, R, mg. Metaphorical, to find, find out by inquiry, learn, discover: Luk.19:48, Act.4:21; αἰτίαν, Jhn.18:38, Act.13:28, al.; pass., Mat.1:18, Luk.17:18, Rom.7:10, 1Co.4:2, Gal.2:17, 1Pe.1:7, Rev.5:4, al.; of attaining to the knowledge of God, εὑ. θεόν, Act.17:27; pass., Rom.10:20 (LXX). Mid., to find for oneself, gain, procure, obtain: with accusative of thing(s), λύτρωσιν, Heb.9:12; act. in same sense (so cl. poets, but not in Attic prose), Mat.10:39 11:29, Luk.1:30, Act.7:46, 2Ti.1:18, al. (cf. ἀν-ευρίσκω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 167 NT verses. KJV: find, get, obtain, perceive, see See also: 1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 12:37; 1 Peter 1:7.

αργυριου argurion G694 "money" Noun-GSN

This word refers to money or silver coins, as seen in Matthew 25:18 and Acts 3:6. It can describe a piece of silver or a specific amount of money. The KJV translates it as money or piece of silver.

Definition: ἀργύριον, -ου, τό (ἄργυρος), [in LXX for כֶּסֶף (Gen.13:2, al.), exc. La 4:1 (כֶּתֶם) ;] prop., a piece of silver (Lft., Notes, 191); in NT, __(a) silver: Act.3:6 7:16 19:19 20:33, 1Co.3:12, 1Pe.1:18; __(b) money: Mat.25:18, 27, Mrk.14:11, Luk.9:3 19:15, 23 22:5, Act.8:20; __(with) a silver coin: p1., Mat.26:15 27:3-6, 9 28:12, 15, where the value is that of a shekel or tetradrachm; ἀργυρίου μυριάδες πέντε (prob. drachmas; MM, see word), Act.19:19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: money, (piece of) silver (piece) See also: 1 Peter 1:18; Mark 14:11; Matthew 28:15.

μυριαδας murias G3461 "myriad" Noun-APF

A myriad refers to a huge number, like ten thousand, often used to describe large crowds, as seen in Acts 19:19 and Revelation 5:11. It represents an enormous amount. This term is used to convey vastness.

Definition: μυριάς, -άδος, ἡ (μυρίος), [in LXX chiefly for רְבָבָה ;] ten thousand, a myriad: pl., Act.19:19, Rev.5:11 9:16; hyperb., of vast numbers, Luk.12:1, Act.21:20, Heb.12:12, Ju 14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: ten thousand See also: Acts 19:19; Jude 1:14; Hebrews 12:22.

πεντε pente G4002 "five" Adj-NUI

The Greek word for the number five, used in Matthew 14:17 when Jesus fed the five thousand with five loaves of bread, showing his power to provide.

Definition: πέντε indecl., οἱ, αἱ, τά, five: Mat.14:17, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 33 NT verses. KJV: five See also: 1 Corinthians 14:19; Luke 14:19; Revelation 9:5.

Study Notes — Acts 19:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 19:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 19:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 19:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 19:19
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 19:19
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 19:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 19:19
Cambridge Bible on Acts 19:19
Barnes' Notes on Acts 19:19
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 19:19
Sermons on Acts 19:19

Context — Seven Sons of Sceva

17This became known to all the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, and fear came over all of them. So the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18Many who had believed now came forward, confessing and disclosing their deeds.

19And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.

20So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail. 21After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 13:8	But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
2	Exodus 32:20	Then he took the calf they had made, burned it in the fire, ground it to powder, and scattered the powder over the face of the water. Then he forced the Israelites to drink it.
3	Genesis 35:4	So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem.
4	Deuteronomy 7:25–26	You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. And you must not bring any detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction.
5	Isaiah 2:20–21	In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold— the idols they made to worship. They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.
6	Acts 13:6	They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,
7	Acts 8:9–11	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, and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.
8	Isaiah 30:22	So you will desecrate your silver-plated idols and your gold-plated images. You will throw them away like menstrual cloths, saying to them, “Be gone!”
9	Daniel 2:2	So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,
10	Matthew 5:29–30	If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell.

Acts 19:19 Summary

[The people in Acts 19:19 burned their magic books because they wanted to turn away from their old sinful practices and follow Jesus Christ. This act of burning their books showed that they were serious about their commitment to Jesus, just like when someone decides to give up something they love for the sake of following Him (Luke 14:33). By doing this, they were able to experience the power and authority of Jesus in their lives, and it helped the message of Jesus to spread to even more people (Acts 19:20). This is a great example for us today, reminding us that following Jesus requires us to be willing to let go of things that are not pleasing to Him, and to be willing to make sacrifices for His sake (1 Peter 4:3-4).]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the people in Acts 19:19 burn their magic books?

They burned their magic books as an act of repentance and turning away from their former practices, recognizing the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 19:17-18, similar to the call to repentance in Matthew 4:17.

What is the significance of the value of the books being fifty thousand drachmas?

The value of the books, fifty thousand drachmas, signifies the significant cost and sacrifice these individuals made in turning away from their magic practices, demonstrating their commitment to following Jesus Christ, as encouraged in Luke 14:33.

How does this event relate to the spread of the word of the Lord?

The burning of the magic books in Acts 19:19 contributed to the powerful spread of the word of the Lord, as it showed the authority of Jesus Christ over evil practices, leading to fear and respect among the people, as mentioned in Acts 19:17 and Acts 19:20.

What can we learn from the example of those who burned their magic books?

We can learn the importance of repentance, turning away from sinful practices, and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of following Jesus Christ, as taught in 1 Peter 4:3-4 and Ephesians 4:22-24.

Reflection Questions

What are some things in my life that I need to 'burn' or turn away from, in order to follow Jesus Christ more closely?
How can I demonstrate my commitment to following Jesus, like the individuals in Acts 19:19 did?
What are some ways that I can show the authority and power of Jesus Christ in my daily life, just like the events in Acts 19:19-20?
How can I balance the need to turn away from sinful practices with the call to love and forgive those who are still engaged in them, as seen in Matthew 5:44-45?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 19:19

Many also of them which used curious arts..... Magic arts, soothsaying, necromancy, conjuration, and the like, being convinced of the folly and wickedness of them: brought their books together; by

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 19:19

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 19:19

Thus their good works justified their faith, without which it had been dead, ,26. Curious arts; or rather idle and vain arts, as judicial astrology, calculating nativities, and all magical arts, which the Ephesians, of all others, were most addicted to and famous for; and may be here called curious arts, because they were so called by the Ephesians, who practised them; as also because these arts are about curiosities, not necessary for us to know. Otherwise they are diabolical arts, or rather devilish cheats. Brought their books together, and burned them: these books were not sold, and the price of them brought unto the apostles, because it was looked upon as the price of a whore, which was an abomination, and might not be offered unto God, . Fifty thousand pieces of silver: what this sum amounts to is not so certain, because it is not agreed what these pieces were. Some make them Roman or Grecian coin; and others understand by them shekels, which are the Jewish money, and would make this sum so much the greater. Take them for so many pence, a piece of money commonly so called, which weighed the eighth part of an ounce of silver, as , they make six thousand two hundred and fifty ounces of silver, or so many crowns, and so much more as silver is worth more per ounce. Such indignation have rue converts against the sins they have been guilty of, that they will not retain any thing that might occasion their return unto them; were it a right eye, they would pull it out.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 19:19

19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. Ver. 19. Which used curious arts] The Ephesians were much addicted to the black art. Whence that ancient proverb, Εφεσιαγραμματα, Ephesian learning for necromancy. Cornelius Agrippa’ s dog had a devil tied to his collar, as some write. And Paracelsus (or else Erastus belies him) had one confined to his sword pommel.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 19:19

(19) Many of them also which used curious arts . . .—The Greek word expresses the idea of superstitious arts, overbusy with the supposed secrets of the invisible world. These arts were almost, so to speak, the specialité of Ephesus. Magicians and astrologers swarmed in her streets (comp. the reference to them as analogous to the magicians at the court of Pharaoh in 2 Timothy 3:8), and there was a brisk trade in the charms, incantations, books of divination, rules for interpreting dreams, and the like, such as have at all times made up the structure of superstition. The so-called “Ephesian spells” (grammata Ephesia) were small slips of parchment in silk bags, on which were written strange cabalistical words, of little or of lost meaning. The words themselves are given by Clement of Alexandria (Strom. v., c. 46), and he interprets them, though they are so obscure as to baffle the conjectures of philology, as meaning Darkness and Light, the Earth and the Year, the Sun and Truth. They were probably a survival of the old Phrygian cultus of the powers of Nature which had existed prior to the introduction of the Greek name of Artemis. And burned them before all men.—This, then, was the result of the two sets of facts recorded in Acts 19:12; Acts 19:16. The deep-ingrained superstition of the people was treated, as it were, homœopathically. Charms and names were allowed to be channels of renovation, but were shown to be so by no virtue of their own, but only as being media between the Divine power on the one hand and the faith of the receiver on the other; and so the disease was cured. The student of the history of Florence cannot help recalling the analogous scene in that city, when men and women, artists and musicians, brought the things in which they most delighted—pictures, ornaments, costly dresses—and burnt them in the Piazza of St. Mark at the bidding of Savonarola. The tense of the verb implies that the “burning” was continuous, but leaves it uncertain whether it was an oft-repeated act or one that lasted for some hours. In this complete renunciation of the old evil past we may probably see the secret of the capacity for a higher knowledge which St. Paul recognises as belonging to Ephesus more than to most other churches. (See Note on Acts 20:27.) Fifty thousand pieces of silver.—The coin referred to was the Attic drachma, usually estimated at about 8½d. of English money, and the total amount answers, accordingly, to £1, 770 17s. 6d., as the equivalent in coin. In its purchasing power, as determined by the prevalent rate of wages (a denarius or drachma for a day’s work), it was probably equivalent to a much larger sum. Such books fetched what might be called “fancy” prices, according to their supposed rareness, or the secrets to which they professed to introduce. Often, it may be, a book was sold as absolutely unique.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 19:19

Verse 19. Which used curious arts] ταπεριεργα. From the use of this word in the Greek writers, we know that it signified magical arts, sorceries, incantations, c. Ephesus abounded with these. Dio Cassius, speaking of the Emperor Adrian, says, ὉΑδριανοςπεριεργοτατοςηνκαιμαντειαιςκαιμαγγανειαιςπαντοδαπαιςεχρητο. "Adrian was exceedingly addicted to curious arts, and practised divination and magic." These practices prevailed in all nations of the earth. Brought their books together] The Εφεσιαγραμματα, or Ephesian characters, are celebrated in antiquity they appear to have been amulets, inscribed with strange characters, which were carried about the body for the purpose of curing diseases, expelling demons, and preserving from evils of different kinds. The books brought together on this occasion were such as taught the science, manner of formation, use, c., of these charms. Suidas, under Εφεσιαγραμματα, Ephesian letters, gives us the following account. "Certain obscure incantations.-When Milesius and Ephesius wrestled at the Olympic games, Milesius could not prevail, because his antagonist had the Ephesian letters bound to his heels when this was discovered, and the letters taken away, it is reported that Milesius threw him thirty times." The information given by Hesychius is still more curious: Εφεσιαγραμματα. ηνμενπαλαιϚ'·ὑϚερονδεπροσεθεσαντινεςαπατεωνεςκαιαλλα·φασιδετωνπρωτωνταονοματα, ταδεΑΣΚΙΟΝ, ΚΑΤΑΣΚΙΟΝ, ΛΙΞ, ΤΕΤΡΑΞ, ΔΑΜΝΑΜΕΝΕΥΣ, ΑΙΣΙΟΝ·Δηλοιδε, τομενΑσκιον, σκοτος·τοδεΚατασκιον, φως·τοδεΛιξ, γη·τετραξδε, ενιαυτος·Δαμναμενευςδε, ἡλιος·Αισιονδε, αληθες. ΤαυταουνἱεραεϚικαιἁγια. "The Ephesian letters or characters were formerly six, but certain deceivers added others afterwards; and their names, according to report, were these: ASKION, KATASKION, LIX, TETRAX, DAMNAMENEUS, and AISlON. It is evident that Askion signifies DARKNESS; Kataskion, LIGHT; Lix, the EARTH; Tetrax, the YEAR; Damnameneus, the SUN; and Aision, TRUTH. These are holy and sacred things." The same account may be seen in Clemens Alexandrinus; Strom. lib. v. cap. 8, where he attempts to give the etymology of these different terms. These words served, no doubt, as the keys to different spells and incantations; and were used in order to the attainment of a great variety of ends. The Abraxas of the Basilidians, in the second century, were formed on the basis of the Ephesian letters; for those instruments of incantation, several of which are now before me, are inscribed with a number of words and characters equally as unintelligible as the above, and in many cases more so. Then it is said they brought their books together, we are to understand the books which treated of these curious arts; such as the Εφεσιαγραμματα, or Ephesian characters. And burned them before all] These must have been thoroughly convinced of the truth of Christianity, and of the unlawfulness of their own arts. Fifty thousand pieces of silver.] Some think that the αργυριον, which we translate piece of silver, means a shekel, as that word is used Matthew 26:16, where see the note; 50,000 shekels, at 3s., according to Dean Prideaux's valuation, (which is that followed throughout this work,) would amount to 7,500£. But, as this was a Roman and not a Jewish country, we may rationally suppose that the Jewish coin was not here current; and that the αργυριον, or silver coin, mentioned by St.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 19:19

19. Many also of them which used curious arts] The Greek has not the same word for “many” here, as in the previous verse. To mark this the Rev. Ver. has here “not a few.” The “curious arts” were magic, jugglery and all such practices as make pretence to supernatural agency. The word is used of magic arts both in classical and patristic Greek, and the kindred verb is used of Socrates (Plato, Apol. 8) because of his statement concerning his inward spiritual monitor or dæmon.brought their books together] We have seen above that the Jews had receipts for incantations and exorcisms professedly dating back to the days of Solomon, and among the heathen population of Ephesus such writings were vastly abundant. Indeed “Ephesian letters” was a common expression, signifying charms composed of magic words and worn as amulets, and supposed to be efficacious against all harm. We are told of a wrestler who could not be thrown while he wore. such a charm, but who was easily overcome when it was taken away. Some of these amulets were said to be composed of the letters which were upon the crown and girdle and feet of the statue of Artemis in the temple at Ephesus. See Farrar’s St Paul, ii. 26, and the authorities there quoted.and burned them before [rather, in the sight of] all men. That is, where all might see who were there. We must remember that what they burnt were rolls of written material, not books after the modern fashion, which are extremely difficult to burn. Such a burning pile must have attracted much notice, and was a proof that the descent of the Holy Ghost (Acts 19:6) had wrought in Ephesus in the same way as aforetime in Jerusalem.and they counted the price of them] And in the sacrifice we must think not only of the cost of the books, but of the hopes of gain which were thrown also into the fire by those to whom “curious arts” had been a revenue.and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver] As the scene of this abjuration was among a Greek population, it is almost certain that the Attic drachma is the coin in which the reckoning is made. As 24 of these were a little more in value than our English pound, we may consider that more than two thousand pounds worth of rolls and slips of magic treatises was consumed.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 19:19

Curious arts - Arts or practices requiring skill, address, cunning.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 19:19

19. Many—Other than Christian believers. Curious arts—Arts about which men may be more curious than wise; arts which true wisdom would let alone.

Sermons on Acts 19:19

	Sermon	Description
	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
	Commands Concerning the Holy Spirit by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing always and praying without ceasing. He shares personal anecdotes about facing challenges, such as having a flat
	Utterance by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of presenting Christ in the truth as found in the Bible. He warns against accepting a distorted version of Jesus or reducing
	Nothing Can Stop the Gospel by Tim Conway	This sermon focuses on the incredible power of the Gospel as demonstrated through the weakness of Paul. Despite facing physical ailments, weakness, and opposition from demonic forc
	God's Normal Order - Called to Be Priests by Devern Fromke	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good product that doesn't require excessive promotion. He reflects on the past advertising strategies used in yout
	Where You Going to Stand? by Zeb McDaris	In this sermon, the preacher begins by explaining that he initially didn't plan to use a microphone but decided to do so. He then provides a brief history of the text from Exodus,
	Acts 17_pt2 by Bill Gallatin	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity and harmony that will be experienced in the kingdom age. He highlights that God has a special plan and purpose for each individual