« Return to Online Bible

Acts 8:9

King James Version (KJV)

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Translations

Acts 8:9 - Amplified Bible

But there was a man named Simon, who had formerly practiced magic arts in the city to the utter amazement of the Samaritan nation, claiming that he himself was an extraordinary {and} distinguished person.

Acts 8:9 - American Standard Version

But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who beforetime in the city used sorcery, and amazed the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Acts 8:9 - Bible in Basic English

But there was a certain man named Simon, who in the past had been a wonder-worker and a cause of surprise to the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was a great man:

Acts 8:9 - Darby Bible

But a certain man, by name Simon, had been before in the city, using magic arts, and astonishing the nation of Samaria, saying that himself was some great one.

Acts 8:9 - English Standard Version

But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.

Acts 8:9 - King James Version

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Acts 8:9 - La Biblia de las Americas

Y cierto hombre llamado Simòn, hacìa tiempo que estaba ejerciendo la magia en la ciudad y asombrando a la gente de Samaria, pretendiendo ser un gran personaje;

Acts 8:9 - The Message

Previous to Philip’s arrival, a certain Simon had practiced magic in the city, posing as a famous man and dazzling all the Samaritans with his wizardry. He had them all, from little children to old men, eating out of his hand. They all thought he had supernatural powers, and called him "the Great Wizard." He had been around a long time and everyone was more or less in awe of him.

Acts 8:9 - New American Standard Bible

Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great;

Acts 8:9 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

Hacìa tiempo que cierto hombre llamado Simòn, estaba ejerciendo la magia en la ciudad y asombrando a la gente de Samaria, pretendiendo ser un gran personaje;

Acts 8:9 - World English Bible

But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who had used sorcery in the city before, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one,

Acts 8:9 - Young's Living Translation

And a certain man, by name Simon, was before in the city using magic, and amazing the nation of Samaria, saying himself to be a certain great one,

Acts 8:9 - Additional Comments

Simon practiced "sorcery", i.e. magic (not witchcraft). What is magic? The show of supernatural power over natural forces. These supernatural forces may simply be perceived or actual (as in the miracles Philip performs). Simon used his magic to gain power, respect, prestige. He even asked for it (he claimed he was great). He wanted the respect, and the people gave it to him (vs 10). And they had for a long time (vs 11). Simon may have been very insecure, and therefore had a stronger need for respect than most.
But the fact is that men want respect, men need respect. It may be their #1 emotional need, similar to what may be women's #1 need - value.
This is one secret of a great marriage - if the husband feels respected by his wife AND the wife feels valued by the husband.
What is a husband to do?
* Pay attention to what his wife deems as worthy of respect, and avoid things that lower her respect of him.
* Show his wife value. Basically, it is simple - he needs to pay attention to her, and not pay attention to other women. (Don't compare her to other women!)
What is a wife to do?
* Pay attention to what her husband values in a woman (e.g. attractive, cleanliness, takes care of the home, spends wisely, etc.).
* Show her husband respect. E.g. the husband who just never seems to live up to what she wants, even when he has a good job (or he may not, it doesn't matter). (Don't compare him to other men!)

Comments are closed.