Acts 19:14
What does Acts 19:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:14 means
Seven sons of Sceva, a Jew and a chief priest, engage in this practice. Their pedigree and number suggest public visibility, but spiritual status by birth or office does not confer authority over demons. Luke’s mention of a “chief priest” heightens the irony: those linked to sacred service dabble in techniques that substitute for true faith in Christ. The narrative is not anti-Jewish; it is anti-presumption and anti-magic. The sons’ attempt illustrates how religious trappings, without submission to Jesus, leave people exposed. The scene is poised for a dramatic reversal, where evil recognizes genuine authority and unmasks those who trade on the name of Jesus without belonging to Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, who did this.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, who did this.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And there were seven sons of a man named Sceva, a Jew and a chief priest, who did this.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and there were certain--seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest--who are doing this thing;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And there were certain men, seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, that did this.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And there were certain [men], seven sons of Sceva, Jewish high priest, who were doing this.
Context
Having introduced itinerant exorcists, Luke now spotlights a specific, notable group. This detail escalates the tension before the demon’s withering reply in the next verse. The sequence will culminate in a humiliating defeat that becomes widely known, catalyzing fear of God and public repentance. The outcome shows that the power at work through Paul cannot be replicated by rivals who lack living connection to the Lord.
v.13But certain also of the strolling Jews, exorcists, took upon them to name over them that had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
v.14This passage
v.15And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
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