Acts 8:11
What does Acts 8:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:11 means
The reason for the Samaritans' sustained attention and belief in Simon's claims was the long duration and captivating nature of his sorceries. For an extended period, he had consistently astonished them with his magical practices, cementing his reputation as a formidable spiritual figure. This prior enthrallment highlights the spiritual stronghold Simon had over the city, making the people's eventual turning to Christ all the more remarkable.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they gave heed to him, because that of long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they gave heed to him, because that of long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they gave attention to him, because for a long time his wonder-working powers had kept them under his control.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they were giving heed to him, because of his having for a long time amazed them with deeds of magic.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they were attentive to him, because, for a long time, he had bewitched them with his magical practices.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they gave heed to him, because that for a long time he had astonished them by his magic arts.
Context
This verse elaborates on the depth of Simon's influence, explaining *why* the people were so devoted to him, building on the descriptions in verses 9-10. It establishes a strong baseline for his prior authority, making the contrast with Philip's ministry in verse 12 even more pronounced. This explanation helps a reader understand the societal shift that occurs when Philip preaches the true Gospel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 8:9
But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who beforetime in the city used sorcery, and amazed the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
- Galatians 3:1
O foolish Galatians, who did bewitch you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth crucified?
- Isaiah 44:25
that frustrateth the signs of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;
- Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto the wizards, that chirp and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? on behalf of the living should they seek unto the dead?
- Isaiah 47:9
but these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood; in their full measure shall they come upon thee, in the multitude of thy sorceries, and the great abundance of thine enchantments.
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