Acts 8 23

Acts 8:23 kjv

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Acts 8:23 nkjv

For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity."

Acts 8:23 niv

For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."

Acts 8:23 esv

For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity."

Acts 8:23 nlt

for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin."

Acts 8 verses

Acts 8 23 Meaning

This verse, Acts 8:23, is a potent diagnosis by Peter concerning the spiritual state of Simon Magus. It declares that Simon's inner being is consumed by profound evil and spiritual poison, akin to "gall," which symbolizes extreme wickedness, spiritual toxicity, and deep-seated ill will or hatred. Furthermore, Peter perceives Simon to be utterly enslaved to unrighteousness, bound by the chains of his own sinful actions and desires, especially his attempt to purchase the Holy Spirit with money. This condition represents a perilous state of heart, far from true repentance and faith in Christ.

Acts 8 23 Context

Acts chapter 8 records the scattering of the church from Jerusalem following Stephen's martyrdom, leading to the gospel spreading into Samaria through Philip. Simon Magus, a well-known sorcerer who had previously held the Samaritans spellbound, believed Philip's message and was baptized. However, his conversion appears to have been superficial, driven by fascination with miraculous power rather than true repentance and faith. When Peter and John arrived, and people received the Holy Spirit through the apostles' laying on of hands, Simon offered them money to purchase this power. Peter immediately rebukes Simon's heart in the preceding verses (Acts 8:20-22), telling him his "money perish with him" and to repent, emphasizing the gravity of thinking God's gift could be bought. Verse 23 is Peter's precise and stark assessment of Simon's deeply corrupted internal spiritual state, revealing the true motivation behind his desire. This occurs in a historical period where pagan magic and superstition were widespread, making Simon's case a stark example of the clash between spiritual authenticity and worldly imitation.

Acts 8 23 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): Connects Peter's severe assessment to his preceding warning. It explains why Peter is so stern.

• I see (βλέπω - blepō): This is not just physical sight but deep spiritual discernment, a prophetic insight into Simon's heart given by the Holy Spirit. Peter perceives beyond the outward actions.

• that you are (σε ὄντα - se onta): Emphasizes Simon's current and enduring state. It is an accurate reflection of his being, not a fleeting emotion.

• in the gall (ἐν χολῇ - en cholē):

  • Gall (χολῇ - cholē): Literally refers to animal bile, an intensely bitter liquid. In Scripture, it metaphorically signifies extreme bitterness, poison, deep moral corruption, and lethal wickedness. It reflects a toxic inner disposition. Often associated with suffering and divine judgment (e.g., Ps 69:21).
  • This term draws on Old Testament imagery (e.g., Deut 29:18; Lam 3:19) where "gall" is associated with destructive evil and severe divine punishment for sin.

• of bitterness (πικρίας - pikrias):

  • Bitterness (πικρίας - pikrias): Describes the quality of the gall itself—intense, acrid, resentful, and rancid. In a spiritual sense, it denotes deep malice, ill will, resentment, hostility, and spiritual decay, which manifests as animosity towards God or others. It implies an unredeemed and unregenerate heart.
  • The combination "gall of bitterness" is a Hebraic idiom (e.g., "root of gall" in Deut 29:18), emphasizing an inward condition of extreme, poisonous evil. It's a fundamental state, not a momentary feeling.

• and in the bondage (καὶ σύνδεσμος - kai syndesmos):

  • Bondage (σύνδεσμος - syndesmos): Refers to a bond, chain, or fetter. It clearly indicates spiritual enslavement. Simon is not free but is bound, restricted, and controlled by a power stronger than himself. This concept is fundamental to the biblical understanding of sin.

• of iniquity (ἀδικίας - adikias):

  • Iniquity (ἀδικίας - adikias): Means unrighteousness, injustice, wickedness, or lawlessness. It's the opposite of God's justice and righteousness. Here, it refers specifically to the nature of Simon's actions and intentions, particularly his attempt to manipulate spiritual gifts for personal gain, an act of gross spiritual injustice. His unrighteous desire is his master.

• "gall of bitterness": This phrase together functions as a double emphasis on a profoundly corrupt and venomous spiritual core. It indicates an active, pervasive evil within the heart, capable of spreading harm and defilement. It highlights internal, spiritual rot rather than just external actions.

• "bondage of iniquity": This pairing vividly illustrates that unrighteousness isn't merely something Simon does, but something that holds him captive. His desires for power and material gain are not free choices but compelling forces that enslave him, preventing genuine spiritual understanding and repentance. He is not just doing iniquity, he is in its chains.

Acts 8 23 Bonus section

• The term "gall of bitterness" finds resonance in the Hebrew Bible's warnings against internal spiritual decay that leads to national disaster, underscoring that Simon's internal state held potential for his personal destruction and corrupting influence.
• Peter's discernment in this moment showcases the spiritual authority and prophetic gift present in the early church, enabling apostles to expose hidden sin and prevent its spread within the believing community. This contrasts starkly with Simon's reliance on mere observation of power.
• Simon Magus became a significant figure in early church history and later patristic writings, often viewed as the prototype of heretics and practitioners of "simony"—the buying or selling of church offices or spiritual gifts—a practice consistently condemned throughout Christian history.
• The incident highlights that receiving external rites, such as baptism, does not automatically guarantee internal transformation or salvation, emphasizing the necessity of genuine repentance and faith originating from the heart.
• This passage functions as a stark contrast to the genuine conversions seen in Acts, illustrating the essential difference between admiring God's power and truly submitting to His Lordship.

Acts 8 23 Commentary

Acts 8:23 is a profound diagnosis by Peter, dissecting the true state of Simon Magus's heart. It goes beyond merely identifying a sinful act (trying to buy the Spirit) to exposing the spiritual pathology beneath. The phrase "gall of bitterness" employs a vivid, visceral metaphor for a soul utterly steeped in malevolence, a toxic inner core that corrupts all intentions. It signifies a profound spiritual depravity and a deep-seated antagonism to God's ways, rather than simple error. Coupled with "bondage of iniquity," it asserts that Simon is not merely committing isolated acts of sin, but is fundamentally enslaved by unrighteousness. His desire to acquire spiritual power for personal gain demonstrates his submission to corrupt motives, trapping him in a cycle of self-serving ambition rather than godly humility and surrender. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that external religious acts (like baptism or professing belief) are meaningless without true internal repentance and freedom from the captivating power of sin, and a pure heart.