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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 8:23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/8-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/44_Act_08_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 8:23 - Simon the Sorcerer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/8-22.htm" title="Acts 8:22">◄</a> Acts 8:23 <a href="/acts/8-24.htm" title="Acts 8:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/8.htm">New International Version</a> For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/acts/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” <a href="/esv/acts/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” <a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.” <a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For I see you being in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." <a href="/kjv/acts/8.htm">King James Bible</a> For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. <a href="/nkjv/acts/8.htm">New King James Version</a> For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” <a href="/nasb_/acts/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of unrighteousness.” <a href="/nasb/acts/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” <a href="/lsb/acts/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of unrighteousness.” <a href="/amp/acts/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For I see that you are provoked by bitterness and bound by sin.” <a href="/csb/acts/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by wickedness.” <a href="/hcsb/acts/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity."&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. <a href="/cev/acts/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I can see that you are jealous and bound by your evil ways." <a href="/erv/acts/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. <a href="/gwt/acts/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I can see that you are bitter with jealousy and wrapped up in your evil ways." <a href="/gnt/acts/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> For I see that you are full of bitter envy and are a prisoner of sin." <a href="/isv/acts/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> For I see that you're being poisoned by bitterness and you're a prisoner of wickedness!" <a href="/msb/acts/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.? <a href="/net/acts/8.htm">NET Bible</a> For I see that you are bitterly envious and in bondage to sin." <a href="/nheb/acts/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity." <a href="/wbt/acts/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. <a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For I perceive that you have fallen into the bitterest bondage of unrighteousness." <a href="/web/acts/8.htm">World English Bible</a> For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for in the gall of bitterness, and bond of unrighteousness, I perceive you being.” <a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For I see you being in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." <a href="/ylt/acts/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for in the gall of bitterness, and bond of unrighteousness, I perceive thee being.' <a href="/slt/acts/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For I see thee being in the bile of bitterness, and bond of iniquity.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For I see thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity. <a href="/cpdv/acts/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I perceive you to be in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” <a href="/nabre/acts/8.htm">New American Bible</a> For I see that you are filled with bitter gall and are in the bonds of iniquity.” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For I see your heart is as bitter as gall and you are in the bonds of iniquity. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For I see that you are in the wrath of bitterness and in a knot of evil.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. <a href="/godbey/acts/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> for I see thou art in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity. <a href="/haweis/acts/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity. <a href="/mace/acts/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for I perceive you are upon the brink of misery, led captive by your sin. <a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For I perceive that you have fallen into the bitterest bondage of unrighteousness." <a href="/worrell/acts/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for I see that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." <a href="/worsley/acts/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. <a href="/parallel/acts/8-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=2521" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Simon the Sorcerer</a> …22Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. 23<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: horō (V-PIA-1S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">I see that</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: onta (V-PPA-AMS) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/5521.htm" title="5521: cholēn (N-AFS) -- Gall, bitter herbs. Feminine of an equivalent perhaps akin to the same as Chloe; gall or bile, i.e. poison or an anodyne.">poisoned</a> <a href="/greek/4088.htm" title="4088: pikrias (N-GFS) -- Bitterness, harshness, hence met: an embittered (resentful) spirit. From pikros; acridity, literally or figuratively.">by bitterness</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4886.htm" title="4886: syndesmon (N-AMS) -- That which binds together; a band, bond. From sun and desmon; a joint tie, i.e. Ligament, uniting principle, control.">captive</a> <a href="/greek/93.htm" title="93: adikias (N-GFS) -- Injustice, unrighteousness, hurt. From adikos; injustice; morally, wrongfulness.">to iniquity.”</a> 24Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15</a> See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many. <a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Deuteronomy 29:18</a> Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Make sure there is no root among you that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit, <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31</a> Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. <a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14-16</a> But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. <a href="/romans/3-14.htm">Romans 3:14</a> “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a> The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a> But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. <a href="/1_john/3-15.htm">1 John 3:15</a> Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer. <a href="/proverbs/5-22.htm">Proverbs 5:22</a> The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6</a> Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? <a href="/jeremiah/4-18.htm">Jeremiah 4:18</a> “Your ways and deeds have brought this upon you. This is your punishment; how bitter it is, because it pierces to the heart!” <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a> Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18-20</a> But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. / These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.” <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21-23</a> For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.” <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3</a> for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.the gall.<a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Deuteronomy 29:18-20</a> Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; … <a href="/deuteronomy/32-32.htm">Deuteronomy 32:32,33</a> For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter: … <a href="/job/20-14.htm">Job 20:14</a> Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him.the bond.<a href="/psalms/116-16.htm">Psalm 116:16</a> O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.<a href="/proverbs/5-22.htm">Proverbs 5:22</a> His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.<a href="/isaiah/28-22.htm">Isaiah 28:22</a> Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/7-23.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-10.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/luke/16-7.htm">Bond</a> <a href="/acts/7-7.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/luke/21-24.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/luke/8-29.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/acts/8-16.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/acts/8-13.htm">Full</a> <a href="/matthew/27-34.htm">Gall</a> <a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/john/12-40.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/mark/5-4.htm">Prisoned</a> <a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/john/7-18.htm">Unrighteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/14-2.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/romans/3-14.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/acts/17-9.htm">Bond</a> <a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/acts/9-21.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/acts/13-45.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/acts/8-39.htm">Full</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Gall</a> <a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/job/36-8.htm">Prisoned</a> <a href="/acts/25-8.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/acts/24-20.htm">Unrighteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 8</div>1. <a href="/acts/8-1.htm">By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria, </a> 4. <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;</a> 9. <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;</a> 14. <a href="/acts/8-14.htm">Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church; </a> 15. <a href="/acts/8-15.htm">where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;</a> 18. <a href="/acts/8-18.htm">when Simon would have bought the like power of them, </a> 20. <a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness, </a> 22. <a href="/acts/8-22.htm">and exhorting him to repentance, </a> 25. <a href="/acts/8-25.htm">together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;</a> 26. <a href="/acts/8-26.htm">but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For I see This phrase indicates discernment and insight, likely through the Holy Spirit. In the context of <a href="/acts/8.htm">Acts 8</a>, Peter is addressing Simon the Sorcerer, who had attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. This insight is reminiscent of Jesus' ability to perceive the thoughts and intentions of others, as seen in passages like <a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a>.that you are poisoned by bitterness The term "poisoned by bitterness" suggests a deep-seated spiritual and emotional corruption. Bitterness in the Bible often refers to a state of resentment or unforgiveness, which can lead to spiritual decay. <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15</a> warns against allowing a "root of bitterness" to grow, as it can defile many. This phrase indicates that Simon's heart was not right with God, despite his outward profession of faith.and captive to iniquity. Being "captive to iniquity" implies enslavement to sin. Iniquity refers to moral corruption or wickedness. This phrase highlights the bondage that sin creates, contrasting with the freedom offered through Christ (<a href="/john/8-34.htm">John 8:34-36</a>). Simon's desire to purchase spiritual gifts reveals a misunderstanding of God's grace and a heart still bound by sinful desires. This serves as a warning against attempting to manipulate or control the work of the Holy Spirit for personal gain.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/simon_the_sorcerer.htm">Simon the Sorcerer</a> A man from Samaria who practiced sorcery and amazed the people, claiming to be someone great. He believed and was baptized but later tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philip_the_evangelist.htm">Philip the Evangelist</a> One of the seven deacons chosen in <a href="/bsb/acts/6.htm">Acts 6</a>, who preached the gospel in Samaria, leading many, including Simon, to believe and be baptized. 3. <a href="/topical/p/peter_the_apostle.htm">Peter the Apostle</a> One of Jesus' original twelve disciples, who, along with John, was sent to Samaria to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 4. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> Another of Jesus' original twelve disciples, who accompanied Peter to Samaria. 5. <a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a> A region in the ancient Near East, significant for its mixed population of Jews and Gentiles, and a place where Philip preached the gospel with great success.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_bitterness.htm">The Danger of Bitterness</a> Bitterness can take root in our hearts, leading to spiritual decay and separation from God. We must be vigilant in identifying and uprooting any bitterness in our lives. <a href="/topical/b/bondage_to_sin.htm">Bondage to Sin</a> Sin enslaves us, and without repentance and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, we remain in bondage. True freedom is found in Christ alone. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_pure_motives.htm">The Importance of Pure Motives</a> Simon's desire to buy the power of the Holy Spirit reveals impure motives. Our service to God should be driven by love and humility, not personal gain or recognition. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> Peter's call for Simon to repent highlights the importance of repentance in the Christian life. God offers forgiveness and restoration to those who genuinely turn from their sins. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_deception.htm">Guarding Against Deception</a> Simon's initial belief and baptism show that outward actions can sometimes mask inner deception. We must continually examine our hearts and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to remain true to our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 8</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_main_theme_of_the_book.htm">Why are you far from me?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_secondary_separation.htm">What does the Bible say about handling sin?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_1_john_4_8_say_'god_is_love'.htm">How can 1 John 4:8 say 'God is love' when the Old Testament shows actions that don't seem loving?</a> <a href="/q/do_you_live_honoring_the_gospel.htm">How does the Bible address feelings of embarrassment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) In the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.--On "gall," in its literal sense, see Note on <a href="/matthew/27-34.htm" title="They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.">Matthew 27:34</a>. This is the only passage in the New Testament in which it is used figuratively. "Bitterness" meets us, as expressing extreme moral depravity, in <a href="/romans/3-14.htm" title="Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:">Romans 3:14</a>, <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm" title="Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:">Ephesians 4:31</a>, <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm" title="Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;">Hebrews 12:15</a>. The latter phrase implies that the iniquity of Simon bound him as with the iron chains of a habit from which he could not free himself.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - See for perceive, A.V. In the gall of bitterness, etc. The passage from which both this expression and the similar one in <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15</a> are taken is manifestly <a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Deuteronomy 29:18</a>, where the Greek of the LXX. has, ῤίζα ἄνω φύουσα ἐν χολῇ καὶ πικρίᾳ. The context there also shows conclusively that the "gall and bitterness" ("wormwood," A.V.) of which Moses speaks is the spirit of idolatry or defection from God springing up in some professing member of the Church, and defiling and corrupting others, as it is expounded in <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15, 16</a>. This, as St. Peter saw, was exactly the case with Simon, whose heart was not straight with God, but "had turned away from him," as it is said in Deuteronomy. Though baptized, he was still an idolater in heart, and likely to trouble many. "The gall of bitterness" is the same as "gall and wormwood," or "bitterness." "Gall," or "bile," is in classical Greek and other languages a synonym for "bitterness," especially in a figurative sense (see <a href="/lamentations/3-15.htm">Lamentations 3:15, 19</a> - πικρία καὶ χολή, LXX.). The uncommon phrase, the bond of iniquity, seems to be borrowed from <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6</a>, where the LXX. have the same words, λύε πὰντα σύνδεσμον ἀδικίας, "loose the bands of wickedness," A.V. Simon was still bound in these bands. <a href="/commentaries/acts/8-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. I see that ὁρῶ (horō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. you σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are ὄντα (onta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. poisoned χολὴν (cholēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5521.htm">Strong's 5521: </a> Gall, bitter herbs. Feminine of an equivalent perhaps akin to the same as Chloe; 'gall' or bile, i.e. poison or an anodyne. by bitterness πικρίας (pikrias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4088.htm">Strong's 4088: </a> Bitterness, harshness, hence met: an embittered (resentful) spirit. From pikros; acridity, literally or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. captive σύνδεσμον (syndesmon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4886.htm">Strong's 4886: </a> That which binds together; a band, bond. From sun and desmon; a joint tie, i.e. Ligament, uniting principle, control. to iniquity.” ἀδικίας (adikias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_93.htm">Strong's 93: </a> Injustice, unrighteousness, hurt. From adikos; injustice; morally, wrongfulness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/8-23.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 8:23 For I see that you are (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/8-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 8:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 8:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/8-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 8:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 8:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>