Acts 8:19
What does Acts 8:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:19 means
Simon explicitly articulated his desire to possess the power he witnessed in the apostles. He sought the ability to impart the Holy Spirit by laying on his own hands, transforming this divine gift into a personal commodity for his own use and presumably profit or prestige. His request reveals a selfish ambition for spiritual authority without genuine spiritual transformation or understanding, indicating his desire for the 'gift' rather than the Giver.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give me this power, so that when I put my hands on anyone he may get the Holy Spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862saying, `Give also to me this authority, that on whomsoever I may lay the hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I shall lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said to him:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890saying, Give to me also this power, in order that on whomsoever I may lay hands he may receive [the] Holy Spirit.
Context
This verse details Simon's precise request, building directly on his offer of money in verse 18. It clarifies his motivation: a desire for personal spiritual power rather than a humble appreciation for God's grace or a desire to serve others. This audacious request directly provokes Peter's stern and righteous condemnation in verse 20, further exposing the depth of Simon's spiritual corruption to the reader.
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:
- Luke 14:7
And he spake a parable unto those that were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief seats; saying unto them,
- Acts 8:17
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
- Matthew 18:1
In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
- John 5:44
How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not?
- 3 John 1:9
I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
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