μάγος

a sorcerer, magician, wizard

Definition

The Greek word μάγος refers to a practitioner of occult arts, specifically a magician, sorcerer, or astrologer. In the New Testament, it appears in two distinct contexts. In Matthew 2:1, 7, 16, the 'μάγοι' (magi) from the East are wise men or astrologers who come to honor the newborn Jesus, indicating a possible positive or neutral sense of learned advisors. In Acts 13:6, 8, however, the term is used negatively for Elymas, a 'false prophet' and 'magician' who opposes the apostles, clearly denoting a sorcerer engaged in deceptive and evil practices.

Biblical Usage

The word is used five times in the New Testament, appearing in two books with a clear thematic split. In Matthew's Gospel, it describes the foreign visitors who seek the 'king of the Jews' (Matthew 2:1-2), highlighting their role as seekers, albeit through astrological means. In Acts, it describes Elymas Bar-Jesus, a Jewish false prophet and magician on Cyprus who actively tries to turn the proconsul away from the faith (Acts 13:6-8). This shows the word can describe both neutral/potentially positive figures and outright hostile opponents of God's message.

Etymology

The word μάγος is a direct borrowing from Old Persian, referring to a priestly caste within the Zoroastrian religion known for wisdom, astrology, and interpretation of dreams. It entered Greek with this meaning. By the New Testament era, its meaning had broadened in common Greek usage to include various kinds of sorcerers, magicians, and practitioners of the occult arts, which explains its dual usage in the biblical text.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the clash between divine revelation and human wisdom or occult power. The magi in Matthew, though using pagan methods, are guided to Christ and worship him, suggesting God can use unexpected means to reveal himself. In contrast, Elymas in Acts represents active spiritual opposition to the gospel, a sorcerer whose power is overcome by the Holy Spirit through Paul (Acts 13:9-11). Understanding μάγος enriches reading by showing the biblical worldview's clear distinction between true prophecy from God and deceptive magic.

In the 1st-century Greco-Roman world, 'μάγος' was a broad term. It could refer to respected Eastern astrologers and wise men (as likely in Matthew) or to common street magicians and fraudsters peddling spells and divination (as in Acts). The negative connotation was strong in Jewish and Christian circles because magic was explicitly forbidden in the Old Testament (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:10-12). This cultural background explains why Luke immediately labels Elymas a 'false prophet'—to distinguish his magic from true prophetic power.

γόης (goēs, G3096) — a sorcerer, enchanter, often with connotations of trickery and imposture. φαρμακός (pharmakos, G5333) — one who uses drugs or potions, often for poisoning or witchcraft.

Word Details

Scripture References