ἐξορκιστής (exorkistēs)
exorkistēs
exorcist
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun exorkistēs refers to a person who casts out demons by using specific formulas or oaths. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 19:13, describing Jewish itinerant exorcists who attempted to drive evil spirits from people.
Its meaning comes from the verb exorkizō, which literally means to administer an oath. The sources indicate that these individuals likely invoked divine names or used conjurations as part of their ritual. This usage highlights a common ancient practice where spiritual authority was exercised through precise words and commands rather than personal relationship.
The account in Acts serves as a contrast between those who merely use the name of Jesus as a technique and those who follow Him. The seven sons of Sceva found that demonic forces resisted them because they lacked the genuine authority that comes from faith in Christ. This single occurrence underscores the difference between ritualistic magic and the power of the gospel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exorkistēs describes someone who treats spiritual authority like a technical skill or a magical formula. In Acts 19, Jewish itinerant exorcists tried to use Jesus' name as a powerful incantation, expecting it to work regardless of their personal relationship with Him. They viewed the divine name as a tool to be wielded rather than a Lord to be obeyed.
This story reminds us that true spiritual power does not come from repeating correct words or performing specific rituals. It flows from a genuine connection with Christ. When we rely on methods instead of faith, we risk empty gestures that offer no real help. God invites us into a relationship where His authority is personal and alive.
Let this encourage you to focus less on the mechanics of your faith and more on knowing the One who holds all power. Your security rests not in perfect formulas, but in the Lord Jesus Himself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- exorcists1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξορκιστῶν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 19:13
But some of the itinerant Jews, exorcists, took on themselves to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.”
This verse identifies the specific group of itinerant Jews who attempted to use Jesus' name as a conjuration formula without having a true relationship with Him.