Ἐλύμας

Elymas

Definition

Ἐλύμας is the Greek name given to a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who opposed the apostles Paul and Barnabas on the island of Cyprus (Acts 13:6-12). The name is used only in Acts 13:8, where he is directly identified. The narrative presents him as a magician in the court of the proconsul Sergius Paulus, actively trying to turn the proconsul away from the Christian faith. His confrontation with Paul, resulting in his temporary blindness, serves as a dramatic demonstration of God's power over deceptive spiritual forces and a pivotal moment confirming the gospel's advance to a Roman official.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 13:8. It functions strictly as a proper name for a specific individual within a narrative context of spiritual conflict and missionary expansion. The usage is part of Luke's historical account in Acts, highlighting a direct confrontation between apostolic authority and magical opposition in the Gentile world.

Etymology

The origin of the name Ἐλύμας is uncertain. In Acts 13:8, Luke explicitly states, 'Ἐλύμας γὰρ μεθερμηνεύεται ὁ μάγος' ('for Elymas is the interpretation of his name'). This indicates it was understood as a meaningful name or title in Greek, possibly derived from an Arabic or Aramaic root related to 'wise' or 'magician,' which aligns with his description as a μάγος (magos, G3097). It is presented as the interpretative name for the figure also called Bar-Jesus.

Semantic Range

Elymas represents the archetype of active, deceptive opposition to the gospel, specifically from within a syncretistic Jewish context. His story (Acts 13:6-12) theologically underscores the supremacy of the Holy Spirit's power over magic and false prophecy. It demonstrates that the gospel's advance often involves direct spiritual confrontation, and God's judgment (here, temporary blindness) can serve to authenticate his messengers and protect the faith of new believers, as seen with Sergius Paulus.

In the 1st-century Greco-Roman world, magicians and astrologers (μάγοι) were common figures, often employed by the elite. Elymas, as a Jewish μάγος, reflects a syncretistic blend of Jewish religious tradition with prevalent magical practices. His role in a Roman proconsul's court was culturally typical for a 'wise man' or advisor. The narrative contrasts his deceptive 'magic' with the true, apostolic 'power of the Lord,' a distinction vital for the original audience navigating a world filled with spiritual claims.

μάγος (magos, G3097) — A general term for a magician, astrologer, or wise man; Elymas is specifically identified as a μάγος. ψευδοπροφήτης (pseudoprophētēs, G5578) — A false prophet; while not directly used of Elymas, his actions of opposing the truth align with this concept.

Word Details

Scripture References