Acts 13:11

KJV

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} now {G3568}, behold {G2400}, the hand {G5495} of the Lord {G2962} is upon {G1909} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} thou shalt be {G2071} blind {G5185}, not {G3361} seeing {G991} the sun {G2246} for {G891} a season {G2540}. And {G1161} immediately {G3916} there fell {G1968} on {G1909} him {G846} a mist {G887} and {G2532} a darkness {G4655}; and {G2532} he went about {G4013} seeking {G2212} some to lead him by the hand {G5497}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, look! The hand of the Lord is upon you; and for a while you will be blind, unable to see the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over Elymas; and he groped about, trying to find someone to lead him by the hand.

Berean Standard Bible

Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind and unable to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

American Standard Version

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:11 records the dramatic divine judgment pronounced by the Apostle Paul upon Elymas, the sorcerer, who actively opposed the Gospel message in Paphos. This pivotal moment on Paul's first missionary journey demonstrates God's immediate and powerful intervention to protect His message and validate the authority of His apostles, resulting in Elymas's temporary blindness and the proconsul Sergius Paulus's conversion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, specifically during their time on the island of Cyprus. Having preached in Salamis, they arrive in Paphos, where they encounter Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, who is described as an intelligent man eager to hear the word of God. Standing in opposition is Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet. Elymas actively attempts to turn the proconsul away from the faith, distorting the truth and hindering the Gospel's progress. Paul, described as "filled with the Holy Spirit" in [Acts 13:9](/acts/13-9 "Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Elymas"), directly confronts Elymas, exposing his deceit and pronouncing the divine judgment detailed in this verse. The immediate consequence of this judgment, Sergius Paulus's belief, is recorded in [Acts 13:12](/acts/13-12 "Sergius Paulus's Conversion").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paphos was a significant city on the island of Cyprus, serving as the Roman capital. As such, it would have been a hub of Roman administration, culture, and various religious practices, including local cults, Greek and Roman polytheism, and a Jewish community. Sorcerers and magicians like Elymas (Bar-Jesus, meaning "son of Jesus" or "son of Joshua," but ironically, a son of deceit) were common figures in the ancient world, often serving as advisors or spiritual guides to prominent individuals. Their practices frequently involved divination, magic, and attempts to manipulate spiritual forces. The presence of a proconsul, a high-ranking Roman official, indicates the strategic importance of reaching leaders with the Gospel, and the public nature of this confrontation would have had significant implications for the perception of Christianity in the Roman world.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:11 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Power**, demonstrating that the apostolic ministry is not merely human endeavor but operates under the direct power and sanction of God, as Paul's declaration, "the hand of the Lord is upon thee," clearly indicates. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Opposing God's Work**, serving as a stark warning that active resistance to the spread of the Gospel and the perversion of God's truth brings swift divine judgment, making Elymas's spiritual darkness manifest in physical blindness. Thirdly, the event functions as a **Confirmation of the Message**, providing undeniable evidence to onlookers, particularly Sergius Paulus, of the truth and power of the Gospel preached by Paul and Barnabas, leading directly to the proconsul's conversion, as seen in [Acts 13:12](/acts/13-12 "Sergius Paulus Believes"). Finally, the phrase "for a season" introduces the theme of **Temporary Judgment with a Possibility of Repentance**, echoing Paul's own experience of [temporary blindness on the road to Damascus](/acts/9-8 "Paul's Temporary Blindness") and suggesting that even divine judgment can serve a redemptive purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Greek, _cheír'_):** G5495. This word, often translated as "hand," carries significant idiomatic weight in biblical literature, especially when paired with "Lord" (Kyrios). "The hand of the Lord" (ἡ χεὶρ Κυρίου) is a common biblical idiom (e.g., [Exodus 9:3](/exodus/9-3 "The Hand of the Lord on Livestock"), [1 Samuel 5:6](/1_samuel/5-6 "The Hand of the Lord Afflicts Ashdod")) that signifies God's active power, direct intervention, or sovereign judgment. It emphasizes that the blindness inflicted upon Elymas was not a random occurrence or a personal curse from Paul, but a purposeful, direct act orchestrated by God Himself. It underscores the divine origin and authority behind Paul's pronouncement.
* **Blind (Greek, _typhlós'_):** G5185. Derived from a root suggesting "opaque" or "smoky," this term describes physical blindness. In this context, it signifies a complete inability to see. The choice of blindness as a judgment is highly symbolic, directly mirroring Elymas's spiritual condition. As one who sought to "make crooked the right ways of the Lord" ([Acts 13:10](/acts/13-10 "Elymas Perverts the Ways of the Lord")), he was spiritually blind to God's truth. His physical blindness serves as a tangible manifestation of his internal spiritual darkness and his attempt to obscure the light of the Gospel from others.
* **Season (Greek, _kairós'_):** G2540. This word denotes a "set or proper time," an "occasion," or a "due season," distinguishing it from _chronos_ (G5550), which refers to general chronological time. The phrase "for a season" (ἄχρι καιροῦ) explicitly indicates a limited duration, underscoring the temporary nature of Elymas's affliction. This suggests that the judgment was punitive and corrective, possibly offering an opportunity for repentance, rather than a final, irreversible condemnation. It highlights God's justice tempered with a measure of grace, leaving open the possibility of future restoration or a period for reflection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee,"**: Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, directly addresses Elymas, declaring an immediate divine judgment. The phrase "behold" (G2400, _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the impending, undeniable act of God. "The hand of the Lord" (G5495, G2962) signifies God's active, sovereign power and intervention, clearly indicating that this is not Paul's personal vendetta but a direct divine act. The judgment is not merely a prediction but a present reality, "is upon thee," implying an immediate and inescapable imposition of God's will.
* **"and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season."**: This clause specifies the nature of the judgment: Elymas will be afflicted with blindness. The inability to see "the sun" (G2246, _hḗlios_), the source of natural light, underscores the totality of his physical darkness. The crucial phrase "for a season" (G891, G2540, _áchri kairou_) indicates that this blindness is not necessarily permanent. This limitation implies a punitive measure designed to humble Elymas and perhaps offer a period for reflection and repentance, rather than a final, irreversible condemnation.
* **"And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness;"**: The judgment is instantaneous and palpable. The Greek word "immediately" (G3916, _parachrēma_) emphasizes the swiftness of God's action. "Mist" (G887, _achlýs_) suggests a dimness of sight, perhaps like a cataract, while "darkness" (G4655, _skótos_) signifies a complete lack of light. This dual description powerfully conveys the progressive and overwhelming nature of the blindness, enveloping him completely.
* **"and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand."**: The immediate consequence of the blindness is Elymas's utter helplessness. The once influential sorcerer, who sought to lead Sergius Paulus astray, is now himself in need of guidance, literally "seeking some to lead him by the hand" (G5497, _cheiragōgós_). This physical dependence starkly contrasts with his previous position of spiritual influence and highlights the dramatic reversal of his power and autonomy, serving as a public humiliation and a clear sign to all present.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 13:11 employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Judgment** is the overarching theme, manifested through the direct and immediate infliction of blindness. This act serves as a dramatic demonstration of God's sovereignty over those who oppose His truth. **Symbolism** is profoundly at play, as Elymas's physical blindness directly mirrors his spiritual darkness and his attempts to obscure the light of the Gospel from the proconsul. The inability to see the sun is a potent symbol of his spiritual inability to perceive divine truth. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the scene: Elymas, the sorcerer who claimed spiritual insight and sought to manipulate others, is rendered utterly helpless and dependent, forced to seek guidance from others. This ironic reversal underscores the futility of human opposition to divine will. Furthermore, the temporary nature of the blindness, indicated by "for a season," creates a subtle **Foreshadowing** or parallel to Paul's own experience of temporary blindness on the road to Damascus ([Acts 9:8](/acts/9-8 "Paul's Blindness on the Road to Damascus")), suggesting that even judgment can be a means to revelation or a call to repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:11 profoundly illustrates the active nature of God's sovereignty in defending His Gospel and His messengers. It reveals that opposition to divine truth is not merely a human conflict but a direct affront to God Himself, often met with swift and visible consequences. This passage underscores the seriousness of spiritual warfare, where forces of darkness actively seek to pervert God's "right ways," and God's willingness to intervene miraculously to confirm His message and protect His people. It also highlights the principle that God's judgment, while severe, can sometimes be temporary and corrective, designed to humble and potentially lead to repentance, rather than immediate destruction. The immediate conversion of Sergius Paulus following this event further emphasizes that God's displays of power are ultimately for the purpose of drawing people to Himself and advancing His kingdom.

* [Exodus 9:3](/exodus/9-3 "The Hand of the Lord on Livestock")
* [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Casting Out Demons by the Finger of God")
* [2 Timothy 3:8](/2_timothy/3-8 "Jannes and Jambres Opposed Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:11 serves as a powerful reminder that the Gospel is not merely a set of ideas but a living, active force backed by the power of God. For believers, this passage offers encouragement that God actively defends His truth and those who faithfully proclaim it, even in the face of intense spiritual opposition. It calls us to discern spiritual forces at work, recognizing that some opposition to the Gospel is not merely intellectual disagreement but a deliberate attempt to "pervert the right ways of the Lord." While divine judgment today may not always manifest in such dramatic physical ways, the principle remains: actively hindering God's work and distorting His truth carries serious spiritual consequences. This verse challenges us to stand firm in the truth, to pray for discernment against deceptive influences, and to trust that God's power will ultimately prevail over all forms of darkness and deception, leading to the spiritual sight of those who are currently blind.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elymas's physical blindness symbolize his spiritual condition, and what does this teach us about the nature of spiritual deception?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, be tempted to "pervert the right ways of the Lord" or hinder the Gospel's progress, even subtly?**
* **How does the temporary nature of Elymas's blindness ("for a season") reflect God's character, and what hope might it offer even to those who oppose Him?**
* **What does Paul's boldness, "filled with the Holy Spirit," teach us about confronting spiritual opposition in our own contexts?**

### FAQ

**Was Elymas's blindness permanent, or did he ever regain his sight?**

Answer: The text explicitly states that Elymas would be blind "for a season" (G2540, _kairós_). This Greek term denotes a specific, limited period of time, not an indefinite or permanent state. While the Bible does not record Elymas's subsequent fate or whether he ever regained his sight, the phrase "for a season" strongly implies that the blindness was temporary. This temporary nature suggests that the judgment was intended as a corrective measure, a severe warning, and potentially an opportunity for repentance, rather than a final, irreversible condemnation. It mirrors the temporary blindness experienced by Paul himself on the road to Damascus, which led to his conversion and spiritual sight, as described in [Acts 9:8-18](/acts/9-8-18 "Paul's Blindness and Conversion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:11, while a powerful display of divine judgment against an opponent of the Gospel, ultimately points to the greater work of Christ. Elymas's physical blindness, a direct consequence of his spiritual darkness and opposition to the light of Christ, profoundly foreshadows Jesus' mission to bring spiritual sight to the blind. Just as Elymas sought to "make crooked the right ways of the Lord" ([Acts 13:10](/acts/13-10 "Elymas Perverts the Ways of the Lord")), humanity, in its fallen state, is spiritually blind, unable to perceive God's truth or walk in His ways. Jesus, the "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-8 "Jesus, the Light of the World")), came precisely to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, declaring His mission to "proclaim recovery of sight to the blind" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Jesus' Mission Statement from Isaiah")). The temporary nature of Elymas's blindness, in particular, echoes the transformative grace offered through Christ, who can turn spiritual darkness into glorious light, just as He did for Paul on the Damascus road ([Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "The Conversion of Saul")). Ultimately, this passage, in its stark depiction of judgment and the subsequent conversion of Sergius Paulus, powerfully underscores the necessity of Christ's redemptive work to deliver humanity from spiritual blindness and lead them into the marvelous light of His truth, fulfilling the prophecy that His coming would bring light to those "sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death" ([Luke 1:79](/luke/1-79 "Zechariah's Prophecy of the Dawn from On High")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 32:4

For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

Exodus 9:3

Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which [is] in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: [there shall be] a very grievous murrain.

Hebrews 10:31

[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

1 Samuel 5:11

So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.

John 9:39

¶ And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

2 Peter 2:17

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

Job 19:21

Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.