Acts 8:23
What does Acts 8:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:23 means
Peter discerned the true extent of Simon's spiritual corruption, declaring him to be in the "gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." "Gall of bitterness" implies deep-seated malice, resentment, or a poisonous spiritual state. "Bond of iniquity" signifies that he was enslaved by sin, unable to free himself. This profound spiritual insight reveals that Simon, despite his outward religious practice, was inwardly captive to an unregenerate and venomous nature.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For I see that you are prisoned in bitter envy and the chains of sin.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for in the gall of bitterness, and bond of unrighteousness, I perceive thee being.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I see thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for I see thee to be in the gall of bitterness, and bond of unrighteousness.
Context
This verse provides Peter's chilling spiritual diagnosis, reinforcing the severity of Simon's condition described in verses 20-22. It offers a deeper explanation of *why* Simon's heart was "not right before God," revealing his deep spiritual enslavement. This insight explains the urgency of Peter's call to repentance and provides a backdrop for Simon's fearful response in the subsequent verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 20:14
Yet his food in his bowels is turned, It is the gall of asps within him.
- Isaiah 28:22
Now therefore be ye not scoffers, lest your bonds be made strong; for a decree of destruction have I heard from the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, upon the whole earth.
- Jeremiah 4:18
Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness; for it is bitter, for it reacheth unto thy heart.
- Lamentations 3:5
He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.
- Deuteronomy 32:32
For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, And of the fields of Gomorrah: Their grapes are grapes of gall, Their clusters are bitter:
- Romans 6:17
But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;
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