The Greek word mageúō, represented by G3096, means to practice magic or use sorcery. It is derived from μάγος and appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its single appearance highly significant.
The sole use of G3096 is found in the account of a man G435 named Simon G4613 in the city G4172 of Samaria G4540. Scripture states that he had beforetime G4391 used sorcery G3096 there, an action that bewitched G1839 the people G1484. His motivation was self-promotion, as he was "giving out G3004 that himself G1438 was G1511 some G5100 great one G3173" Acts 8:9.
Several related words in the immediate context clarify the meaning and impact of G3096:
- G1839 exístēmi (bewitched): This verb describes the effect of Simon's sorcery, meaning "to put (stand) out of wits, i.e. astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane." It shows how he amazed and astonished the people of Samaria Acts 8:9.
- G4391 proÿpárchō (beforetime): This adverb, meaning "to exist before, i.e. (adverbially) to be or do something previously," establishes that Simon's practice of sorcery was an ongoing activity in the city prior to the events described Acts 8:9.
- G1438 heautoû (himself): A reflexive pronoun used to show that Simon's actions were centered on his own glory. He used sorcery to make himself appear great Acts 8:9.
The theological significance of G3096 is tied to its specific context in Acts:
- Counterfeit Power: The act of using sorcery is presented as a practice of deception. Simon's goal was to bewitch the people of Samaria, gaining influence through means other than divine truth Acts 8:9.
- Source of Self-Exaltation: The use of G3096 is directly linked to an individual's desire for personal greatness. Simon's magic was a tool to convince others that he was a "great one" G3173, pointing glory toward himself G1438 rather than God.
- Contrast with Divine Miracles: Simon's sorcery is set in contrast to the authentic power of God. The same word used for "bewitched" G1839 is later used to describe Simon's own astonishment when he witnessed the true miracles and signs performed through Philip, indicating a clear distinction between human magic and divine work Acts 8:13.
In summary, G3096 is a highly specific term for the practice of sorcery. Its single use in scripture defines it as a deceptive act used for self-glorification, as seen in the account of Simon in Samaria Acts 8:9. The word serves to illustrate the biblical contrast between counterfeit human magic and the authentic, life-changing power of God.
TRV