apparently of Latin origin; left-handed; Scevas (i.e. Scævus), an Israelite:--Sceva.
Transliteration:Skeuâs
Pronunciation:skyoo-as'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma Σκευᾶς (Skeuâs) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymology is traced to Latin, from *Scaevus*, meaning "left-handed." This suggests a descriptive origin for the name, possibly indicating a physical characteristic or a nickname that became a hereditary appellation. In the context of Roman nomenclature, *Scaevus* could function as a cognomen. Within biblical discourse, the semantic range of Σκευᾶς is restricted to its role as an identifier for a specific individual in a particular narrative. It does not carry broader conceptual or theological weight beyond denoting the person to whom it refers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Σκευᾶς (Skeuâs) appears only once in the New Testament:
* [[Acts 19:14]]: "And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who were doing this."
This occurrence is found within the account of Paul's ministry in Ephesus. Paul's powerful ministry, including the casting out of evil spirits, prompted some itinerant Jewish exorcists to attempt to replicate his success by invoking "Jesus whom Paul proclaims." The text then introduces "seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest," who engaged in this practice. Their attempt resulted in a dramatic and humiliating failure, as the demon-possessed man overpowered them, causing them to flee naked and wounded.
The description of Sceva as a "Jewish chief priest" (ἀρχιερεύς) is noteworthy. While it could imply a former high priest or a member of a prominent priestly family, it is unlikely he was the acting High Priest in Jerusalem, given his presence in Ephesus. More probably, he was a leading figure within the Jewish community in Ephesus, perhaps a head of a synagogue or a respected elder of priestly lineage. The narrative uses Sceva and his sons as a foil to highlight the true spiritual authority of Jesus, exercised through Paul, in contrast to the ineffectual and dangerous attempts of those who sought to manipulate divine power without genuine faith or commission.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Σκευᾶς (Skeuâs) does not have direct lexical synonyms or antonyms. However, its narrative context connects it to several significant biblical concepts:
* **Exorcism and Demonic Encounter:** The primary setting involves an attempt at exorcism, linking Sceva's sons to the broader theme of spiritual warfare and the reality of demonic influence [[Ephesians 6:12]]. This highlights the contrast between authentic divine power and human presumption.
* **Authority and Imposture:** The actions of Sceva's sons exemplify religious imposture and the attempt to wield spiritual authority without divine sanction. This stands in stark contrast to the genuine, God-given authority manifested through Paul `{{G651}}`.
* **The Name of Jesus:** The incident powerfully underscores the unique power inherent in the name of Jesus `{{G2424}}`, not as a magical incantation, but as the embodiment of divine authority when invoked by true believers. The demon's response, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" [[Acts 19:15]], emphasizes this distinction.
* **Jewish Priesthood:** Sceva's designation as a "Jewish chief priest" places him within the framework of the Jewish religious establishment, though his specific role in Ephesus remains somewhat ambiguous. This relates to the broader understanding of the Aaronic priesthood and its functions `{{H3548}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Σκευᾶς (Skeuâs) is derived entirely from the profound lessons embedded in the narrative concerning him and his sons. The incident serves as a potent theological object lesson:
1. **The Uniqueness and Sovereignty of Christ's Authority:** The encounter unequivocally demonstrates that the name of Jesus is not a formula to be exploited, but the very essence of divine authority. True power over spiritual forces resides solely in Christ, and it is extended only to those genuinely united with Him by faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The demon's discernment between Jesus, Paul, and Sceva's sons underscores Christ's unparalleled position.
2. **The Peril of Presumption and Imitation:** The sons of Sceva serve as a sobering warning against attempting to imitate spiritual power without a true relationship with God. Their public humiliation and injury illustrate the dangers of superficial religiosity, magical thinking, or seeking spiritual power for personal gain rather than for the glory of God. It highlights that divine power cannot be manipulated or appropriated by those lacking genuine faith and divine commission.
3. **Distinction Between True and False Spirituality:** The narrative sharply differentiates between the authentic power of the Holy Spirit operating through faithful believers and the ineffectual, even dangerous, attempts of those who lack divine authorization. It teaches that spiritual warfare is a serious reality, and divine power is not a commodity to be trifled with.
4. **Magnification of God's Name:** Paradoxically, even through this negative example, God's name is magnified. The dramatic outcome of the encounter instilled fear in the community and led many to confess their sins and burn their magical books, resulting in the spread and triumph of the word of the Lord [[Acts 19:17-20]]. Thus, the incident ultimately served to glorify Christ and validate the genuine gospel message.
### Summary
Σκευᾶς (Skeuâs), a name of Latin origin meaning "left-handed," identifies a "Jewish chief priest" whose seven sons in Ephesus attempted to mimic the exorcisms performed by the apostle Paul. Documented solely in [[Acts 19:14]], this narrative serves as a powerful cautionary tale against religious imposture and the presumption of wielding divine power without genuine faith or divine authorization. The humiliating failure of Sceva's sons underscores the unique and unchallengeable authority inherent in the name of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that His name is not a magical incantation but a conduit for authentic divine power, accessible only to those truly connected to Him. The incident ultimately served to highlight the distinction between true spiritual authority and superficial imitation, leading to the magnification of the Lord Jesus' name and a deeper reverence for God's power among the Ephesian populace.
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