And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
And {G1161} to him {G846} they had regard {G4337}, because {G1223} that of long {G2425} time {G5550} he had bewitched {G1839} them {G846} with sorceries {G3095}.
They followed him because for a considerable time he had amazed them with his magic.
They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.
And they gave heed to him, because that of long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
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Acts 8:9
But 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: -
Galatians 3:1
¶ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? -
Isaiah 47:9
But these two [things] shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, [and] for the great abundance of thine enchantments. -
Isaiah 47:13
Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee. -
Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? -
Isaiah 44:25
That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise [men] backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;
Acts 8:11 (KJV) provides insight into the significant influence Simon, known as Simon the Sorcerer, wielded over the inhabitants of Samaria. This verse explains the long-standing nature of his power and the deep admiration the populace had for his magical abilities, which they mistakenly perceived as divine.
Context
This verse is situated within a pivotal section of the Book of Acts, detailing the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem into Samaria. Following the persecution that scattered believers after Stephen's martyrdom, Philip the evangelist arrives in Samaria, proclaiming Christ and performing genuine miracles of healing and exorcism (Acts 8:6-7). Before Philip's arrival, the city was enthralled by Simon, who had claimed to be "some great one" (Acts 8:9). Verse 11 specifically clarifies the reason for the people's intense regard for Simon: his prolonged and captivating use of sorceries.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "he had bewitched them" translates the Greek word existanō (ἐξιστάνω). This term literally means "to stand out of oneself" or "to be out of one's mind," conveying a profound sense of astonishment, amazement, or being put into an ecstatic state by something extraordinary. It speaks to the deep psychological and emotional impact Simon's acts had on the Samaritans, causing them to be utterly captivated. The term "sorceries" comes from the Greek word mageia (μαγεία), from which we derive "magic." This clearly identifies Simon's activities as occultic, involving magical arts, enchantments, or practices associated with a magician or sorcerer, distinctly separate from divine power.
Practical Application
Acts 8:11 serves as a timeless reminder for believers to practice spiritual discernment. In every era, individuals emerge who seek to gain influence or followers through impressive displays, eloquent rhetoric, or outright deception. We are called to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1) and to evaluate all claims of spiritual power or authority against the unchanging truth of God's Word. Genuine spiritual power always points to Christ and His glory, not to the person wielding it. This verse encourages us to be cautious of long-standing traditions or charismatic figures if their teachings or practices do not align with biblical truth, and to seek genuine transformation through the Gospel rather than fleeting amazement.