from ἐξορκίζω; one that binds by an oath (or spell), i.e. (by implication) an "exorcist" (conjurer):--exorcist.
Transliteration:exorkistḗs
Pronunciation:ex-or-kis-tace'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G1845 (exorkistḗs) is derived from the verb ἐξορκίζω (exorkízō), which signifies "to adjure," "to put under oath," or "to bind by an oath." The prefix "ex-" often intensifies the action or denotes "out of" or "completely." Thus, ἐξορκιστής denotes "one who binds by an oath or spell." By implication, and as understood in ancient contexts, this refers to an "exorcist" or "conjurer"—an individual who attempts to compel spirits or forces through a formal, often ritualistic, adjuration or incantation. The core meaning emphasizes the act of imposing a binding obligation, not merely a request or prayer, but a command enforced by a perceived higher power or ritualistic efficacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1845 appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 19:13]]. This single occurrence is profoundly illustrative of its meaning and the broader theological context.
In [[Acts 19:13]], we encounter "some itinerant Jewish exorcists" (τινες περιερχόμενοι Ἰουδαῖοι ἐξορκισταί) who attempted to cast out evil spirits by invoking the name of "Jesus whom Paul preaches." The narrative immediately highlights the inefficacy and danger of such practices when divorced from genuine divine authority. The seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, are specifically mentioned as examples. They sought to replicate the spiritual power they observed in Paul, but their method was one of conjuration, attempting to bind the demon by an oath in the name of a power they did not truly possess. The demonic spirit's response ("Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?") and the subsequent physical assault on the "exorcists" underscore the critical distinction between genuine divine commission and imitative, ritualistic attempts at spiritual manipulation. This passage serves as a stark contrast to the authentic power demonstrated by Jesus and His apostles in confronting demonic forces.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which G1845 is derived, ἐξορκίζω (exorkízō). This verb is used in two significant contexts:
1. In [[Matthew 26:63]], the High Priest adjures Jesus by the living God, demanding that Jesus state whether He is the Christ. Here, the verb signifies putting someone under a solemn oath, not necessarily related to demonic activity.
2. In [[Acts 19:13]], immediately following the mention of the "exorcists," Paul himself uses the verb ἐξορκίζω in his command to the spirit, "I adjure you by Jesus Christ to come out of her!" ([[Acts 19:13]] - though this is a textual variant and the more common reading has "we adjure you"). This highlights the concept of adjuration itself, but the context of the sons of Sceva clearly defines G1845 as a practitioner of a specific, often pagan or superstitious, form of this.
Other related concepts include:
* δαιμόνιον (daimónion - `{{G1140}}`) and πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον (pneuma akátharton - unclean spirit): The entities that exorkistḗs sought to control.
* The phrase ἐν ὀνόματι (en onómati - in the name of): Used by both genuine apostles and the sons of Sceva, emphasizing that the efficacy lay not in the mere utterance of a name but in the authority inherent in the one uttering it.
* μαγεία (mageia - `{{G3095}}`, magic/sorcery) and γόης (goēs - `{{G1114}}`, sorcerer/imposter): These terms describe practices and practitioners of illicit spiritual manipulation, conceptually aligned with the negative portrayal of the exorkistḗs in Acts.
* In contrast, the true authority of Jesus and His apostles in casting out demons (e.g., [[Mark 1:27]], [[Luke 4:36]], [[Acts 16:18]]) provides the divine standard against which the exorkistḗs is measured and found wanting.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of G1845 in the New Testament carries profound theological weight, primarily serving as a cautionary tale and a theological distinction.
1. **Authority and Power:** The account in [[Acts 19]] powerfully distinguishes between genuine divine authority, which flows from a true relationship with God through Christ, and human attempts to manipulate spiritual forces through ritual, formula, or imitation. The "exorcists" sought to harness the power of Jesus' name without submission to His lordship or the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This highlights that spiritual power is not a commodity to be wielded by human will but a divine prerogative exercised through those genuinely commissioned by God.
2. **Authenticity vs. Imitation:** The narrative underscores the danger of superficial or imitative spirituality. Simply using the "right words" or mimicking the actions of true believers is insufficient; true spiritual efficacy requires a genuine, faith-filled connection to the source of power. The humiliation of the sons of Sceva serves as a vivid warning against spiritual presumption and the attempt to co-opt divine power for personal gain or prestige.
3. **The Reality of Spiritual Conflict:** The presence of exorkistḗs in the ancient world, and their interaction with genuine apostles, affirms the New Testament's consistent portrayal of a spiritual realm populated by demonic entities and the ongoing spiritual conflict. However, it also clarifies that the victory over these forces belongs solely to Christ and those empowered by Him.
4. **The Sovereignty of God:** The failure of the exorkistḗs reinforces the absolute sovereignty of God over all spiritual realms. No human ritual or incantation can compel divine power or control demonic forces outside of God's will and appointed means.
### Summary
The Greek word G1845 (exorkistḗs) refers to an "exorcist" or "conjurer," one who attempts to bind spirits by an oath or spell. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 19:13]] is highly significant. Here, it describes itinerant Jewish practitioners who sought to cast out demons using the name of "Jesus whom Paul preaches," yet lacked genuine divine authority. The subsequent humiliation of the sons of Sceva, who were attacked by the very demon they sought to control, serves as a powerful theological object lesson. The term exorkistḗs and its context underscore the critical distinction between true spiritual authority, which emanates from a genuine relationship with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, and human attempts at spiritual manipulation or imitation. It highlights that divine power is not a formula to be commanded, but a gift to be received and exercised in humble obedience to God's sovereign will, ultimately revealing the futility of human-devised spiritual remedies apart from the authentic power of Christ.
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