TheologyE

Elymas

Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)· Public Domain

(a wise man), the Arabic name of the Jewish magus or sorcerer Bar-jesus. (Acts 13:6) ff. (A.D. 44.)

Explore “Elymas” in Scripture

Search for this term across Bible translations in the Biblexika reader.

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources

Compare dictionaries

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on Elymas

Elymas el'-i-mas (Elumas, "wise"; Ac 13:8). ⇒See a list of verses on ELYMAS in the Bible. See BAR-JESUS. ⇒See also the McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia.

Read the full International Standard Bible Encyclopedia entry Public Domain

Fausset's Bible Dictionary on Elymas

Arabic (alim, "wise," related to ulema) for Barjesus, the Jew sorcerer associated with Sergius Paulus. proconsul of Cyprus at Paul's visit (Act 13:6, etc.). Struck blind for "seeking to turn away the deputy (proconsul) from the faith." As he opposed the gospel light, in significant retribution he lost the natural light. Contrast Paul's simultaneously receiving sight and the Holy Spirit (Act 9:17). As belief in religion declined under the Roman empire, belief in eastern magic increased.

Read the full Fausset's Bible Dictionary entry Public Domain

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Easton, M.G. (1893) Easton's Bible Dictionary. 3rd edn. Thomas Nelson. [Public Domain]
Nave, O.J. (1897) Nave's Topical Bible. Topical Bible Publishing Co.. [Public Domain]
Hastings, J. (ed.) (1909) A Dictionary of the Bible. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
Smith, W. (ed.) (1884) Smith's Bible Dictionary. London: John Murray. [Public Domain]
Fausset, A.R. (1878) Fausset's Bible Dictionary. [Public Domain]A Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopaedia

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →