Acts 8:9
What does Acts 8:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:9 means
Before Philip's arrival, a man named Simon had captivated the Samaritan people through his practice of sorcery. He presented himself as a person of great importance and power, using his magical arts to astonish and impress the inhabitants of the city. Simon's self-aggrandizement and the widespread belief in his abilities indicate his significant influence and the spiritual darkness that pervaded Samaria prior to the Gospel's arrival.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But 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:
KJV
King James Version · 1611But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But 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:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But there was a certain man named Simon, who in the past had been a wonder-worker and a cause of surprise to the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was a great man:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And a certain man, by name Simon, was before in the city using magic, and amazing the nation of Samaria, saying himself to be a certain great one,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752There was therefore great joy in that city. Now there was a certain man named Simon who before had been a magician in that city, seducing the people of Samaria, giving out that he was some great one:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But a certain man, by name Simon, had been before in the city, using magic arts, and astonishing the nation of Samaria, saying that himself was some great one.
Context
This verse introduces Simon, a prominent figure in Samaria, laying the groundwork for his interaction with Philip. It establishes his prior influence and the spiritual backdrop of the city before the Gospel took root, providing a stark contrast to the genuine divine power demonstrated by Philip in previous verses. This character introduction is crucial for understanding the dynamic that unfolds in verses 10-13 concerning Simon's initial response to the Gospel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 3:5
holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away.
- Deuteronomy 18:10
There shall not be found with thee any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one that useth divination, one that practiseth augury, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer,
- John 7:18
He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
- Acts 19:18
Many also of them that had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.
- Revelation 22:15
Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.
- Acts 8:11
And they gave heed to him, because that of long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…