from (the name of the region where Delphi, the seat of the famous oracle, was located); a Python, i.e. (by analogy, with the supposed diviner there) inspiration (soothsaying):-- divination.
Transliteration:Pýthōn
Pronunciation:poo'-thone
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term "Pýthōn" (Πύθων, `{{G4436}}`) carries a rich and specific semantic load, deeply rooted in ancient Greek mythology and religious practice. Its etymological origin is directly linked to Delphi, the renowned site of Apollo's oracle, where, according to myth, the monstrous serpent Python was slain by the god. Consequently, the name "Python" became synonymous with the spirit of divination associated with that oracle. In its New Testament usage, "Pýthōn" refers not merely to the act of divination but specifically to a demonic spirit that inspires soothsaying or fortune-telling. Its semantic range thus encompasses "divination," "soothsaying," and, most significantly, the "spirit of divination" or a "Python spirit," always implying a pagan, illicit, and demonic source of purported supernatural knowledge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word "Pýthōn" (Πύθων, `{{G4436}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 16:16]]:** "As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl having a spirit of divination (ἔχουσαν πνεῦμα Πύθωνα) who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling."
The context describes Paul and Silas in Philippi. They encounter a young slave girl whose ability to predict the future is explicitly attributed to a "spirit of Python." This direct identification with the Delphic oracle's demonic power underscores the nature of her soothsaying as a manifestation of pagan spiritual forces. Her masters exploit this ability for financial gain, highlighting the economic entanglement of demonic activity. Paul, "greatly annoyed" by her persistent following and proclamation (which, though technically true, served to disrupt their ministry and was sourced from evil), commands the spirit to come out of her in the name of Jesus Christ. The immediate departure of the spirit demonstrates the absolute authority of Christ over such demonic powers, leading to the girl's liberation but also inciting the wrath of her masters, who lost their source of income. This incident serves as a pivotal moment, illustrating the direct confrontation between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness, particularly as it manifests in pagan religious and economic systems.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "Pýthōn" (Πύθων, `{{G4436}}`) is intertwined with several broader biblical themes and terms:
* **Divination (μαντεία, G3132; ἐπαοιδός, G1849):** The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means, which is consistently condemned throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 18:10-12]], [[Leviticus 19:31]], [[1 Samuel 15:23]]). The "Pýthōn" spirit is a specific *source* of such forbidden divination.
* **Spirit (πνεῦμα, `{{G4151}}`):** The term "Pýthōn" is always qualified as a "spirit" (πνεῦμα), indicating a distinct spiritual entity, specifically a demonic one, as opposed to the Holy Spirit or a human spirit.
* **Demons (δαιμόνιον, `{{G1140}}`):** The "Pýthōn" spirit falls under the broader category of demonic entities, evil spiritual beings who oppose God and seek to enslave humanity.
* **Sorcery/Magic (φαρμακεία, `{{G5331}}`):** While "Pýthōn" specifically denotes a spirit of divination, it belongs to the wider category of illicit spiritual practices that include sorcery, magic, and occult arts, all of which are anathema to biblical faith.
* **False Prophets/Oracles:** The "Pýthōn" spirit provides a counterfeit form of prophecy, contrasting sharply with the true prophetic word inspired by God's Spirit. It represents a source of deceptive or manipulative supernatural information.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of "Pýthōn" (Πύθων, `{{G4436}}`) in [[Acts 16:16]] is profound and multi-faceted. Firstly, it provides undeniable evidence that behind pagan religious practices and divination lie real, active demonic forces. The New Testament does not dismiss such phenomena as mere superstition but identifies them as manifestations of spiritual evil. Secondly, the encounter powerfully demonstrates the supreme authority of Jesus Christ over all demonic powers. Paul's simple command, uttered "in the name of Jesus Christ," immediately expels the spirit, showcasing the liberating power of the Gospel to free individuals from spiritual bondage. This liberation is not merely spiritual but also has tangible consequences, as the girl is freed from exploitation. Thirdly, the incident highlights the inherent conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Gospel's advance inevitably challenges and dismantles systems, both spiritual and economic, that are built upon sin, exploitation, and demonic influence. The masters' violent reaction underscores that the Gospel, while bringing freedom, also disrupts established powers and interests that profit from unrighteousness. Finally, it serves as a warning against any form of divination, reaffirming the biblical stance that all such practices are an abomination to God and originate from malevolent spiritual sources.
### Summary
The Greek word "Pýthōn" (Πύθων, `{{G4436}}`) denotes a spirit of divination, deriving its name from the legendary serpent of Delphi and its associated oracle. Its singular New Testament appearance in [[Acts 16:16]] vividly portrays a slave girl possessed by such a spirit, enabling her to practice soothsaying for her masters' profit. This specific term directly links her abilities to a demonic entity rooted in pagan spiritual traditions. The biblical narrative powerfully illustrates the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ, as Paul, by the authority of Christ's name, casts out the "Pýthōn" spirit. This act not only liberates the girl from spiritual and economic bondage but also underscores the Gospel's confrontational nature against all forms of divination and the demonic powers that fuel them. The incident serves as a clear theological statement: all forms of soothsaying are condemned as demonic, and Christ's power unequivocally triumphs over all the forces of darkness.
TRV