Σκευᾶς

Sceva

Definition

Σκευᾶς (Sceva) is a proper noun referring to a specific individual named in the New Testament. He is identified as a Jewish chief priest residing in Ephesus (Acts 19:14). The name itself is of Latin origin, likely 'Scaeva', meaning 'left-handed' or 'awkward'. In the biblical narrative, Sceva is not presented as a legitimate high priest serving in Jerusalem, but rather as one of the seven sons of a man bearing this priestly title who were involved in exorcism. His story serves as a specific case study within the larger account of spiritual conflict and the supremacy of the name of Jesus.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:14. It is used in a narrative context to identify the father of seven Jewish exorcists in Ephesus. The usage highlights a cultural and religious setting where Jewish ritual practices, including attempts at exorcism using the name of Jesus, intersected with the ministry of the Apostle Paul. The episode demonstrates the misuse of Jesus's name by those not in genuine relationship with Him.

Etymology

Σκευᾶς (Skeuas) is a Greek transliteration of the Latin cognomen 'Scaeva', meaning 'left-handed' or 'awkward'. As a proper name, its lexical meaning is not directly significant to its biblical role; its importance derives entirely from the individual it identifies. The name was likely carried by a diaspora Jew living in the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus.

Semantic Range

The account involving Sceva's sons is theologically significant as it underscores the absolute authority and power inherent in the name of Jesus Christ. Their failed exorcism (Acts 19:13-16) vividly illustrates that spiritual power is not a technique to be harnessed but flows from a genuine, submitted relationship with the Lord. This episode contrasts the magical worldview of the era with the true apostolic power demonstrated by Paul, affirming that the name of Jesus is not a mere incantation but is authoritative only when invoked by faith and in alignment with His kingdom.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, exorcism and magical practices were widespread. The title 'chief priest' (archiereus) could be used loosely for prominent members of priestly families, not just the sitting high priest in Jerusalem. Sceva's sons represent a class of itinerant Jewish exorcists who blended Jewish ritual elements with Hellenistic magical practices, a syncretism common in cosmopolitan centers like Ephesus. Their attempt to co-opt the name of 'Jesus whom Paul preaches' (Acts 19:13) reflects a common belief that knowing and using the correct names and formulas granted power over spiritual forces.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Thematically, it connects to: exorkistēs (G1845) — a general term for an exorcist; and archiereus (G749) — the title 'chief priest' attributed to Sceva.

Word Details

Scripture References