New International VersionSeven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
New Living TranslationSeven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this.
English Standard VersionSeven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this.
Berean Standard BibleSeven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
Berean Literal BibleAnd seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.
King James BibleAnd there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
New King James VersionAlso there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
New American Standard BibleNow there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, doing this.
NASB 1995Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
NASB 1977And seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
Legacy Standard BibleNow seven sons of one named Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
Amplified BibleSeven sons of one [named] Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
Christian Standard BibleSeven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSeven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
American Standard VersionAnd there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, who did this.
Contemporary English VersionSeven sons of a high priest named Sceva were doing this,
English Revised VersionAnd there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, which did this.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSeven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
Good News TranslationSeven brothers, who were the sons of a Jewish High Priest named Sceva, were doing this.
International Standard VersionSeven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this.
NET Bible(Now seven sons of a man named Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.)
New Heart English BibleThere were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd there were seven sons of one Sceva a Jew, and chief of the priests, who did so.
Weymouth New TestamentThere were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew of high-priestly family, who were doing this. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSeven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
World English BibleThere were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand there were certain—seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest—who are doing this thing;
Berean Literal BibleAnd seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.
Young's Literal Translation and there were certain -- seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest -- who are doing this thing;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd there were certain sons of Sceva, a Jew, chief priest, seven doing this. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd there were certain men, seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, that did this.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd there were certain Jews, the seven sons of Sceva, leaders among the priests, who were acting in this way.
New American BibleWhen the seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, tried to do this,
New Revised Standard VersionSeven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd there were seven sons of one Sce’va, a Jew, and chief of the priests, who did this.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut there were seven sons of a man who was a Jew, a Chief Priest, whose name was Sqewa, who were doing this, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this.
Godbey New TestamentAnd there were certain seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish high priest, doing this.
Haweis New TestamentAnd they were seven sons of Sceva a Jew, a chief priest, who did this.
Mace New Testamentthese practitioners were seven in number, the sons of Sceva a Jew, one of the chief priests.
Weymouth New TestamentThere were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew of high-priestly family, who were doing this.
Worrell New TestamentNow there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish high priest, who did this.
Worsley New TestamentNow there were seven sons of one Sceva a Jewish priest, who did this.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Sons of Sceva13Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I bind you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.” 14Sevensonsof Sceva,a Jewishchief priest,weredoingthis.15Eventually, one of the evil spirits answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”…
Cross References Matthew 12:27And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
Luke 11:19And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
Mark 9:38-39John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.” / “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me.
Acts 16:16-18One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. / This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!” / She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment.
Acts 8:9-13Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, / and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery. ...
1 Samuel 28:7-8Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied. / So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.”
2 Kings 17:17They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.
2 Kings 21:6He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.
Leviticus 19:31You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, / casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. / For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you.
Isaiah 8:19When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?
Isaiah 19:3Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists.
Jeremiah 27:9But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’
Ezekiel 13:6-9They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. / Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken? / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. ...
Zechariah 10:2For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
Treasury of Scripture And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. Jump to Previous ChiefFamilyHighHigh-PriestlyJewJewishPriestPriestsSevenJump to Next ChiefFamilyHighHigh-PriestlyJewJewishPriestPriestsSevenActs 19 1.The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.8.The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.13.The Jewish exorcists,16.are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.19.Conjuring books are burnt.21.Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;35.which is appeased by the town clerk.Seven sons of ScevaThe mention of "seven sons" indicates a complete or perfect number in biblical terms, often symbolizing fullness or completeness. Sceva is identified as a Jewish chief priest, though there is no historical record of a chief priest by this name, suggesting he may have been a self-proclaimed leader or part of a lesser-known priestly family. The sons' actions reflect a common practice in the ancient world where exorcism and magical practices were prevalent, especially in Ephesus, a city known for its interest in magic and the occult. a Jewish chief priest
The title "chief priest" suggests a position of religious authority within the Jewish community. However, the lack of historical evidence for Sceva as a recognized chief priest raises questions about his legitimacy. This highlights the tension between genuine spiritual authority and self-appointed positions. The Jewish context is significant, as it shows the intersection of Jewish religious practices with the surrounding Greco-Roman culture, which often included syncretism and the blending of religious traditions. were doing this
The phrase "were doing this" refers to the practice of attempting to invoke the name of Jesus to perform exorcisms, as described in the preceding verses. This action underscores the growing reputation of Jesus' name and the power associated with it, even among those outside the Christian faith. The sons of Sceva's attempt to use Jesus' name without a true relationship with Him serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of using spiritual power for personal gain or without genuine faith. This incident also contrasts with the authentic miracles performed by Paul, emphasizing the importance of true faith and divine authority. Persons / Places / Events 1. Seven Sons of ScevaThese were Jewish exorcists who attempted to invoke the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits. They are notable for their lack of genuine faith and understanding of Jesus' power. 2. ScevaDescribed as a Jewish chief priest, though not much else is known about him. His sons' actions suggest a superficial understanding of spiritual authority. 3. EphesusThe city where these events took place. Ephesus was a major center of commerce and religion, known for its temple to Artemis and a hub for various spiritual practices. 4. Evil SpiritsThe spiritual entities that the sons of Sceva attempted to exorcise. Their response to the sons highlights the necessity of true faith and authority in Christ. 5. PaulAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Paul’s successful ministry in Ephesus provides a stark contrast to the failed attempts of the sons of Sceva. Teaching Points Authority in ChristTrue spiritual authority comes from a personal relationship with Jesus, not merely invoking His name. Believers must ensure their faith is genuine and rooted in Christ. The Danger of PresumptionThe sons of Sceva presumed they could wield spiritual power without true faith. This serves as a warning against superficial or second-hand faith. Spiritual WarfareEngaging in spiritual warfare requires discernment and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Believers should be equipped with the full armor of God ( Ephesians 6:10-18). The Power of Jesus' NameThe name of Jesus is powerful, but it must be used with reverence and understanding. Believers should seek to know Him deeply and personally. Witnessing to OthersOur actions and words should reflect a true understanding of Christ's power and authority, serving as a testimony to others. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Acts 19
Who were the seven sons of Sceva?
What events transpired during the crucifixion of Jesus?
In Acts 19:13-16, what evidence supports or undermines the historical accuracy of the dramatic encounter where the evil spirit attacks the sons of Sceva?
What does 'ablution' mean in the Bible?(14) Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chiefofthe priests.--Better, a Jewish chief priest. The word might mean that he was at the head of one of the twenty-four courses into which the priests of the Temple were divided. (See Notes on Matthew 21:15; Luke 3:2.) It is hardly probable, however, that one in that position would have taken to this disreputable calling, and it seems more likely that the title itself was part of the imposture. He called himself a chief priest, and as such St. Luke, or Tyrannus, described him. The scene is brought vividly before us. The seven exorcists, relying partly, we may believe, in the mystical virtue of their number, stand face to face with a demoniac, frenzied and strong like the Gadarene of Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:3-4. Verse 14. - A chief priest for and chief of the priests, A.V.; this for so, A.V. A chief priest ( ἀρχιερεύς); not, of course, in the sense of high priest, but in that wider sense of the word which comprised the chiefs of the twenty-four courses and the members of the Sanhedrim and all who had ever been high priests or who were of the kindred of the high priest (see Matthew 2:4; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 21:15; 23:45, etc.; Luke 9:22; Luke 19:47, etc.; Acts 4:23; Acts 5:24; Acts 9:14, 21, etc.). It is probable that the Eleazar mentioned in the preceding note was a priest, both from his name and because Josephus calls him one of his ὁμοφύλων, which may mean "fellow-tribesmen." The name Sceca occurs nowhere else, nor is its meaning or etymology at all certain. Some identify it with the Latin Scaera (Horace, 'Ep.,' 1. 17:1), "left-handed," l. q. Scaevola; or the Greek Scenes, a proper name in Appian. Simonis gives it an Aramean etymology.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Sevenἑπτὰ(hepta)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2033:Seven. A primary number; seven.sonsυἱοὶ(huioi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.of Sceva,Σκευᾶ(Skeua)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4630:Sceva, an inhabitant of Ephesus. Apparently of Latin origin; left-handed; Scevas, an Israelite.a JewishἸουδαίου(Ioudaiou)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2453:Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.chief priest,ἀρχιερέως(archiereōs)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 749:High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.wereἦσαν(ēsan)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.doingποιοῦντες(poiountes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.this.τοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.
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NT Apostles: Acts 19:14 There were seven sons of one Sceva (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
