from a derivative of μαίνομαι (meaning a prophet, as supposed to rave through inspiration); to divine, i.e. utter spells (under pretense of foretelling:--by soothsaying.
Transliteration:manteúomai
Pronunciation:mant-yoo'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μαντεύομαι (manteúomai) is derived from a root related to μαίνομαι (mainomai), meaning "to rage," "to be mad," or "to be frantic." This etymological connection is crucial, as it points to an ecstatic state, often induced or feigned, through which divination was believed to occur. The core meaning of μαντεύομαι is "to divine," "to practice divination," or "to soothsay." Its semantic range specifically encompasses pagan forms of prophecy, often involving the utterance of spells or predictions under the pretense of inspiration. Critically, it carries the strong connotation of *illegitimate* or *false* prophecy, rooted in human deception or, more profoundly, in demonic influence, rather than genuine divine revelation. It stands in direct opposition to the true prophetic gift inspired by the Holy Spirit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb μαντεύομαι appears only once in the New Testament:
* **[[Acts 16:16]]**: "As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination (πνεῦμα πύθωνα) and brought her owners much profit by soothsaying (μαντευομένη)."
In this singular occurrence, the context is highly significant. Paul and Silas encounter a slave girl in Philippi who is possessed by a "Python spirit" (πνεῦμα πύθωνα), a clear reference to the pagan oracle at Delphi and its associated demonic power. The text explicitly states that she "brought her owners much profit by soothsaying" (μαντευομένη). This highlights several points:
1. **Source of Power:** Her ability to divine is directly attributed to a demonic entity, not to God.
2. **Economic Exploitation:** The practice is linked to financial gain, underscoring its worldly and often exploitative nature.
3. **Conflict with the Gospel:** Paul's subsequent action of casting out the spirit in the name of Jesus Christ ([[Acts 16:18]]) demonstrates the absolute incompatibility of such practices with the authority and truth of the gospel. The cessation of her soothsaying ability, much to her owners' chagrin, underscores that her power was indeed supernatural but not divine. This narrative serves as a powerful illustration of the triumph of Christ's power over demonic forces and false religion.
### Related Words & Concepts
μαντεύομαι is distinct from, yet often contrasted with, other terms:
* **True Prophecy:** It stands in stark contrast to προφητεύω (propheteuō, `{{G4395}}`), which signifies true prophecy inspired by the Holy Spirit. While both involve receiving and communicating knowledge, their sources and purposes are diametrically opposed. μαντεύομαι is rooted in deception and demonic power, whereas προφητεύω flows from divine revelation and serves God's redemptive purposes.
* **Other Forms of Divination/Magic:** The New Testament condemns various forms of occult practices. Related terms include:
* φαρμακεία (pharmakeia, `{{G5331}}`): often translated as "sorcery" or "witchcraft," implying the use of drugs or magical spells.
* γοητεία (goēteia): "charming," "deception," "jugglery," referring to the practice of magic or trickery.
* περιεργία (periergia, `{{G4021}}`): "meddling," "curiosity," but also used to denote "magic arts" (e.g., [[Acts 19:19]]).
* **Old Testament Parallels:** In the Septuagint (LXX), μαντεύομαι is frequently used to translate Hebrew terms for forbidden divination, such as קֶסֶם (qesem, `{{H7081}}`) or נָחַשׁ (nachash, `{{H5172}}`). The Mosaic Law explicitly and repeatedly forbade all forms of divination, soothsaying, enchantment, and necromancy, commanding Israel to be blameless before the Lord (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 18:10-12]]). This Old Testament prohibition provides the theological backdrop for the New Testament's condemnation of μαντεύομαι.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μαντεύομαι is profound:
* **Rejection of Illicit Revelation:** The term underscores the Bible's consistent and absolute rejection of any form of revelation or knowledge gained through means other than God's direct and holy communication. It highlights the critical distinction between divine truth and demonic deception.
* **Source of Power and Authority:** The incident in [[Acts 16]] powerfully demonstrates that while demonic forces can confer supernatural abilities, these are ultimately subordinate to the authority of Jesus Christ. The name of Jesus holds ultimate power over all spiritual entities, including those that empower false divination.
* **Nature of Paganism:** μαντεύομαι exposes the true nature of pagan religious practices as being rooted in spiritual darkness and often serving economic exploitation rather than genuine spiritual guidance or truth. It reveals the demonic forces lurking behind seemingly benign or culturally accepted forms of fortune-telling.
* **Ethical and Spiritual Purity:** For believers, the condemnation of μαντεύομαι serves as a strong warning against dabbling in any form of occultism or seeking guidance from sources outside of God's revealed Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the call to spiritual purity and exclusive devotion to God.
### Summary
The Greek verb μαντεύομαι (manteúomai) denotes the practice of divination or soothsaying, distinctively associated with pagan, non-divine, and often demonic sources of alleged inspiration. Its etymological link to "madness" or "raving" suggests a false or illegitimate form of prophecy, contrasting sharply with true prophetic revelation from God. The sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 16:16]] vividly illustrates this, where a slave girl's ability to "soothsay" is explicitly attributed to a "spirit of divination" (πνεῦμα πύθωνα). This incident serves as a clear condemnation of such practices, demonstrating the supreme authority of Jesus Christ over all demonic powers and highlighting the fundamental opposition between Spirit-inspired prophecy `{{G4395}}` and all forms of occultism. Theologically, μαντεύομαι signifies a forbidden means of seeking knowledge, rooted in deception and opposed to God's truth, underscoring the imperative for believers to rely solely on divine revelation for guidance.
TRV