Lexical Summary Elumas: Elymas Original Word: Ἐλύμας Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Elymas. Of foreign origin; Elymas, a wizard -- Elymas. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Aramaic or Arab. origin Definition Elymas, a magician NASB Translation Elymas (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1681: ἘλύμαςἘλύμας, ὁ (Buttmann, 20 (18)), Elymas, an appellative name which Luke interprets as μάγος — derived either, as is commonly supposed, from the Arabic Topical Lexicon Designation and Meaning Elymas is the personal name assigned to the Jewish sorcerer who confronted the missionary team of Paul and Barnabas on Cyprus. Luke adds the parenthetical clarification “for that is what his name means” (Acts 13:8), hinting at an Arabic-Aramaic background in which the title connotes a “sage” or “wise man.” Scripture turns the name on its head, portraying him as spiritually blind until literal blindness falls upon him. Biblical Context: Acts 13:6-12 Paul and Barnabas, newly commissioned by the church at Antioch, arrive in Paphos and meet “a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus” (Acts 13:6). Bar-Jesus—called Elymas when functioning as a magos—attempts to dissuade the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus from “the faith” (verse 8). Paul, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” rebukes him, announcing temporary blindness. “Immediately a mist and darkness fell upon him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand” (verse 11). The judgment serves two ends: it vindicates apostolic authority and paves the way for the proconsul’s conversion. “When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord” (verse 12). Theological Themes 1. Opposition to the Gospel Elymas typifies satanic resistance that surfaces whenever the word of God advances to new territory (compare Simon Magus in Acts 8:9-24). His sorcery, though impressive to a provincial governor, collapses before the superior power of the Spirit. 2. Divine Retribution Echoing Paul’s Own Conversion Paul’s Spirit-directed sentence mirrors his own earlier blindness on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:8-9). Both events underscore that physical darkness may become the gateway either to humbled repentance or to hardened judgment. 3. Authentic and Counterfeit Wisdom Elymas presents himself as a “wise man,” yet true wisdom is revealed in the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:24). The episode contrasts worldly arcana with “the hidden wisdom of God” manifested in Christ. Contrast with Genuine Prophetic Ministry Elymas is labeled “false prophet,” whereas Paul speaks by the Spirit. The narrative highlights essential marks of authentic ministry: fidelity to the Lord’s message, empowerment by the Spirit, and fruit that leads others into faith rather than confusion. Biblical Teaching on Sorcery and False Prophets From Moses to Revelation the canon treats sorcery as an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Revelation 21:8; 22:15). Elymas stands in the long line of the magicians of Pharaoh (Exodus 7:11) and the deceivers forecast by Jesus (Matthew 24:24). His blinding substantiates God’s consistent judgment against occult practitioners. Historical Background First-century Cyprus lay at the crossroads of Greco-Roman and Near-Eastern cultures. Professional magoi trafficked in astrology, incantations, and apotropaic charms. Roman officials, including Sergius Paulus, often kept such specialists in their entourage. Luke’s record fits known patterns: a provincial governor consulting a wonder-worker and subsequently encountering the superior revelation of the gospel. Practical Ministry Lessons • Expect Spiritual Conflict: Gospel advance provokes demonic pushback. Christological Implications The sign against Elymas validates the apostolic witness that Jesus is risen and reigning. Miraculous judgment, analogous to Old Testament prophetic acts (2 Kings 1:9-12), authenticates Paul as Christ’s emissary and underlines the superiority of Christ’s kingdom over occult powers. Enduring Relevance While modern expressions of occultism differ in form, the heart-issue remains: any system that diverts attention from Christ is spiritual darkness. The church, equipped with Scripture and the Spirit, must continue to expose deception and proclaim the true light “that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). Forms and Transliterations Ελυμας Ἐλύμας Elumas Elymas ElýmasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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