### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1681 (Elýmas) refers to an individual, a proper noun. The Strong's definition notes its "foreign origin" and identifies Elymas as "a wizard." This designation is crucial, as it immediately situates him within the realm of occult practices and spiritual deception. The name "Elymas" itself is presented in [[Acts 13:8]] as the translation of "sorcerer" or "magician," indicating that his very appellation was synonymous with his profession. Scholars often connect "Elymas" to the Arabic "alīm" (wise, knowing) or an Aramaic root meaning "diviner," suggesting a supposed wisdom or knowledge, albeit one derived from illicit or demonic sources rather than divine revelation. Thus, the semantic range of this term is tightly bound to the character's identity as a practitioner of magic and a purveyor of false spiritual guidance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1681 occurs exclusively once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts: [[Acts 13:8]]. This single occurrence is embedded within the narrative of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey to Paphos in Cyprus, specifically in [[Acts 13:6-12]]. Here, Elymas is introduced as Bar-Jesus (meaning "son of Jesus" or "son of Joshua"), a Jewish sorcerer (μάγος, `{{G3097}}`) and false prophet (ψευδοπροφήτης, `{{G5578}}`) who was in the retinue of the Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus.
The context reveals a direct spiritual confrontation. Sergius Paulus, described as an "intelligent man," desired to hear the word of God from Paul and Barnabas. However, Elymas actively "withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith" [[Acts 13:8]]. This act of opposition highlights Elymas's role as an agent of spiritual darkness, directly attempting to thwart the advance of the Gospel. Paul, "filled with the Holy Spirit" [[Acts 13:9]], perceived Elymas's true nature and delivered a powerful rebuke, calling him "full of all deceit (δόλος, `{{G1388}}`) and all fraud (ῥᾳδιουργία, `{{G4468}}`), you son of the devil (διαβόλου, `{{G1228}}`), you enemy of all righteousness" [[Acts 13:10]]. As a divine sign and judgment, Paul then pronounced a temporary blindness upon Elymas, which immediately came to pass. The dramatic outcome led Sergius Paulus to believe, "being astonished at the teaching of the Lord" [[Acts 13:12]]. This incident serves as a powerful demonstration of the supremacy of God's power over demonic influence and human deception.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G1681 naturally draws connections to several key biblical concepts and Greek terms:
* **Sorcery/Magic:** The primary descriptor for Elymas is μάγος (magos, `{{G3097}}`), which in this context denotes a practitioner of the occult, a sorcerer, or a magician. This term is distinct from the "magi" who visited the infant Jesus, though it shares the same root.
* **False Prophet:** Elymas is also explicitly called a ψευδοπροφήτης (pseudoprophētēs, `{{G5578}}`), aligning him with a long line of individuals in both the Old and New Testaments who claimed to speak for God but propagated deception (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 18:20]], [[Jeremiah 14:14]], [[Matthew 7:15]], [[2 Peter 2:1]]).
* **Deceit and Fraud:** Paul's denunciation of Elymas as being "full of all deceit (δόλος, `{{G1388}}`)" and "all fraud (ῥᾳδιουργία, `{{G4468}}`)" underscores the deceptive nature of his character and practices. These terms frequently describe the actions of those who oppose God's truth.
* **Son of the Devil:** The severe indictment, "son of the devil (διαβόλου, `{{G1228}}`)," directly links Elymas's opposition to the work of Satan, the ultimate adversary of God and humanity. This phrase signifies not merely a biological relationship but a spiritual alignment and participation in the devil's purposes.
* **Blindness:** The physical blindness inflicted upon Elymas serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual blindness (e.g., [[John 9:39]], [[2 Corinthians 4:4]]), demonstrating the consequences of rejecting divine light and embracing darkness.
* **Opposition to the Gospel:** Elymas personifies the spiritual forces and human agents that actively resist the proclamation and acceptance of the Gospel message. This theme is recurrent throughout Acts and the New Testament.
### Theological Significance
The encounter with Elymas holds profound theological significance. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the **superiority of God's power over occult and demonic forces.** The immediate and visible judgment of blindness upon Elymas served as an incontrovertible sign of divine authority, demonstrating that the power operating through Paul was infinitely greater than any magic or deception. This affirms God's sovereignty and His active intervention to overcome spiritual opposition.
Secondly, the incident underscores the **necessity of spiritual discernment and bold confrontation.** Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, was able to penetrate Elymas's facade and expose his true nature as an enemy of righteousness. This highlights the Church's call to discern false teachings and boldly proclaim truth in the face of spiritual deception, rather than passively tolerating it.
Thirdly, the judgment upon Elymas signifies **divine retribution against those who actively oppose the Gospel.** While God's grace is abundant, His justice is also real. The temporary blindness was not merely a sign but a direct consequence for Elymas's deliberate attempt to hinder the proconsul's path to faith. This serves as a warning against resisting the Holy Spirit and obstructing God's redemptive work.
Finally, the conversion of Sergius Paulus immediately following the judgment on Elymas demonstrates the **power of God to confirm His word and validate His messengers.** The miracle served to authenticate Paul's apostolic authority and the divine origin of the message he proclaimed, leading to the proconsul's astonishment and belief. This narrative emphasizes that God will clear the path for His truth to be heard and received.
### Summary
G1681 (Elýmas) refers to a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet encountered by Paul and Barnabas in Paphos, Cyprus. His name, possibly meaning "wise" or "sorcerer," ironically describes his practice of occult arts. Elymas actively opposed the apostles, attempting to dissuade Proconsul Sergius Paulus from embracing the Christian faith. In a powerful display of divine authority, Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, denounced Elymas as a "son of the devil" and inflicted temporary blindness upon him. This singular biblical occurrence serves as a pivotal narrative, demonstrating the overwhelming power of God's Spirit over all forms of spiritual darkness and deception. It highlights the divine judgment on active opposition to the Gospel, affirms the authenticity of God's messengers, and underscores the crucial need for spiritual discernment and bold proclamation of truth in the face of falsehood. The incident ultimately paved the way for Sergius Paulus's conversion, showcasing God's ability to overcome obstacles and confirm His word.
TRV