μαγεία (mageia)
mageia
magic
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun mageia refers to magical arts or sorcery, specifically drawing on the lore associated with the Magi. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 8:11, where it describes the deceptive practices of Simon the Sorcerer.
This single occurrence highlights how early Christians viewed such activities as distinct from genuine spiritual power. The term carries a negative connotation, linking supernatural claims to deceit rather than divine truth. By using this word, the text contrasts Simon’s attempts to buy spiritual authority with the authentic work of the Holy Spirit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mageia appears in the New Testament to describe practices that claim supernatural power but rely on deception rather than God. In Acts, it is used to identify Simon’s attempts to manipulate spiritual gifts for personal gain. This distinction helps believers recognize that true authority comes from the Holy Spirit, not from hidden techniques or financial transactions.
When you encounter claims of spiritual power today, this term reminds us to test them against the character of Christ. Authentic ministry always points people toward Jesus and His grace, never toward a person’s ability to control outcomes. By focusing on the source of power, we can discern between genuine faith and empty performance.
This understanding encourages you to trust in God’s provision rather than seeking shortcuts through occult means. It invites you to rest in the certainty that God’s truth stands firm against all deception. May your heart find peace in relying solely on His revealed word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- magic arts1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μαγείαις1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 8:11
They listened to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
This verse explicitly links the term to Simon’s long-standing ability to amaze people through deceptive sorceries, establishing the context for Peter’s rebuke.