Πύθων (Puthōn)
Puthōn
divining spirit
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun puthōn refers to a spirit of divination, specifically one associated with the ancient Oracle of Delphi. In Greek mythology, Python was a serpent that guarded the site until slain by Apollo, who then claimed the oracle for himself. Consequently, the term became linked to the prophetic powers attributed to this location.
In Acts 16:16, the word describes a slave girl possessed by such a spirit, enabling her to predict the future. This usage reflects how early Christians viewed pagan prophecy not as divine truth, but as influence from a deceptive spiritual force. The term highlights the contrast between true revelation and occult practices common in the Roman world.
Translators often render puthōn as "divining spirit" or simply note its mythological origin to clarify the nature of the possession. This single occurrence underscores the early church’s distinction between Christian prophecy and the spiritual phenomena encountered in pagan society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word puthōn appears only once in the New Testament, found in Acts 16:16. It describes a spirit of divination attached to a slave girl who followed Paul and his companions. In the ancient world, this term was closely linked to pagan oracles, such as the one at Delphi, where people sought hidden knowledge through supernatural means.
For believers today, this passage offers a clear distinction between true spiritual guidance and deceptive influences. The text does not validate her predictions but identifies them as coming from a source opposed to the gospel. This reminds us that God’s truth is found in Christ, not in occult practices or fortune-telling.
We can find comfort in knowing that no hidden power stands against God’s plan. When we seek direction, we turn to Scripture and prayer, trusting in His clear and loving will rather than uncertain signs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Python1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πύθωνα1×
Key Verses
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Acts 16:16
As we were going to prayer, a certain girl having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it identifies the source of a slave girl's predictive abilities as a deceptive spiritual force rather than genuine prophecy.