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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Python</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/p/python.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/acts/16-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/p/python.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Python</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/p/pyrrhus.htm" title="Pyrrhus">◄</a> Python <a href="/topical/q/qirhareseth.htm" title="Qirhareseth">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Etymology:</b> <br>The term "Python" in a biblical context is not directly referenced as the modern understanding of a large constricting snake. Instead, it is associated with the spirit of divination. The word "Python" originates from the Greek word "Pythōn," which was used to describe a spirit or demon that possessed individuals, enabling them to foretell the future. This term is derived from the mythological serpent or dragon that was said to have been slain by Apollo at Delphi, a site known for its oracle.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b> <br>The most notable reference to a "Python" spirit is found in the New Testament, in the Book of Acts. In <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Acts 16:16-18</a> , the Apostle Paul encounters a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination, described as a "Python spirit":<br><br><i>"One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.' She continued this for many days. Eventually, Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!' And the spirit left her at that very moment."</i> (<a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Acts 16:16-18</a>)<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context:</b> <br>In the ancient world, divination was a common practice, and individuals believed to possess the ability to predict the future were often sought after. The spirit of Python was associated with the Oracle of Delphi, where priestesses, known as Pythia, would deliver prophecies. This cultural backdrop provides insight into why the spirit of divination in Acts is referred to as a "Python spirit."<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b> <br>From a theological perspective, the encounter with the Python spirit in Acts highlights the early Christian church's confrontation with pagan practices and beliefs. The expulsion of the spirit by Paul demonstrates the authority of Jesus Christ over demonic forces and the power of His name to liberate individuals from spiritual bondage. This event also underscores the early church's mission to proclaim the gospel and challenge the prevailing spiritual and cultural norms of the time.<br><br><b>Moral and Ethical Implications:</b> <br>The narrative in Acts serves as a caution against engaging in practices associated with divination and the occult. It reflects the biblical teaching that reliance on such practices is contrary to faith in God. The Bible consistently warns against seeking knowledge or guidance from sources other than God, as seen in passages like <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a> , which condemns divination and sorcery.<br><br><b>Contemporary Relevance:</b> <br>In modern times, the concept of a "Python spirit" is sometimes used metaphorically within Christian circles to describe influences or practices that are seen as deceptive or contrary to biblical teachings. The account in Acts serves as a reminder of the spiritual realities that believers may encounter and the importance of discernment and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and protection.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) Any species of very large snakes of the genus Python, and allied genera, of the family Pythonidae. They are nearly allied to the boas. Called also rock snake.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) A diviner by spirits.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">PYTHON</span><p>pi'-thon: Occurs only in <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Acts 16:16</a>, where the Revised Version (British and American) reads, "a certain maid having a spirit of divination (margin "a spirit, a Python") met us." Puthon, or Putho, is the oldest name of Delphi (or the country about Delphi), in which was situated the famous Delphic Oracle. Consequently "Pythian spirit" came to be the generic title of the supposed source of inspiration of diviners, including the slave-girl of the account in Acts. Exactly what facts underlie the narrative it is rather hard to say, but it is evident that the girl was sincere in her conviction that she spoke with Pythian inspiration. Probably she represents some hysterical type, of none too strong mentality, whose confused utterances were taken as coming from some supernatural power. Impressed by Paul's personality, she followed him about, and, when his command came, was in a state of mind that had prepared her to obey it. The narrative, incidentally, gives an interesting sidelight on a society in which a girl with hysteria had a greater commercial value than she had after her cure.<br><br>See <a href="../d/divination.htm">DIVINATION</a>.<br><br>Burton Scott Easton<p><a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4436.htm"><span class="l">4436. puthon -- <b>Python</b>, a mythical serpent slain by Apollo <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> <b>Python</b>, a mythical serpent slain by Apollo, divination. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine<br> Transliteration: puthon Phonetic Spelling: (poo'-thone) Short Definition <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4436.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/theodoret/the_ecclesiastical_history_of_theodoret/chapter_xviii_on_the_overthrow_of.htm"><span class="l">On the Overthrow of Petrus and the Introduction of Lucius the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> tongue of the girl his instrument, the demon shouted out through her the words uttered<br> at Philippi by the woman possessed with the spirit of <b>Python</b>, [731] and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xviii on the overthrow of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_acts_and_romans/homily_xxxv_acts_xvi_13.htm"><span class="l">Acts xvi. 13, 14</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Indeed a faithful woman!""A certain damsel possessed with a spirit of <b>Python</b>."<br> (v.16.) Say, what is this demon? The god, as they <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxv acts xvi 13.htm</font><p><a href="/library/origen/origen_de_principiis/chapter_iii_on_threefold_wisdom.htm"><span class="l">On Threefold Wisdom.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Others have been under the influence of the demon called <b>Python</b>, ie, the<br> ventriloquial spirit, from the commencement of their existence. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iii on threefold wisdom.htm</font><p><a href="/library/blunt/a_key_to_the_knowledge_of_church_history/chapter_iii_the_extension_of.htm"><span class="l">The Extension of the Church Throughout the World</span></a> <br><b>...</b> than he, in the casting out by St. Paul of the evil spirit of <b>Python</b> from<br> the soothsaying woman. This was an earnest of the final <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iii the extension of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_ephesians_peter/salvation_grace_faith.htm"><span class="l">Salvation: Grace: Faith</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 'Every man his own Redeemer' will not work. You can no more extricate yourself from<br> the toils of sin than a man can release himself from the folds of a <b>python</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/salvation grace faith.htm</font><p><a href="/library/jerome/the_principal_works_of_st_jerome/letter_cxxiv_to_avitus.htm"><span class="l">Letter cxxiv. To Avitus.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> are possessed with evil spirits and become diviners and soothsayers; [3384] indeed,<br> some are indwelt from their earliest years with the spirit of a <b>python</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiv to avitus.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/the_holy_war.htm"><span class="l">The Holy War,</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Latin words primum mobile, carefully noting in the margin that he meant 'the soul';<br> and from hence he must have scraped acquaintance with <b>Python</b>, Cerberus, and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/p/python.htm"><span class="l"><b>Python</b> (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Any species of very large snakes of the genus<br><b>Python</b>, and allied genera, of the family Pythonidae. <b>...</b><b>PYTHON</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/python.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/q/qirhareseth.htm"><span class="l">Qirhareseth</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/q/qirhareseth.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/u/unfaithful.htm"><span class="l">Unfaithful (58 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> which he committed against Jehovah, because of the word of Jehovah which he kept<br> not, and also for having inquired of the spirit of <b>Python</b>, asking counsel of it <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/u/unfaithful.htm - 23k</font><p><a href="/topical/u/unfaithfulness.htm"><span class="l">Unfaithfulness (27 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> which he committed against Jehovah, because of the word of Jehovah which he kept<br> not, and also for having inquired of the spirit of <b>Python</b>, asking counsel of it <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/u/unfaithfulness.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/inquireth.htm"><span class="l">Inquireth (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Inquireth (7 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 18:11 or a charmer, or one that inquireth<br> of a spirit of <b>Python</b>, or a soothsayer, or one that consulteth the dead. (DBY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/inquireth.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/female.htm"><span class="l">Female (95 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 16:16 And it came to pass as we were going to prayer that a certain female<br> slave, having a spirit of <b>Python</b>, met us, who brought much profit to her <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/female.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/familiar.htm"><span class="l">Familiar (35 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> thee"). Edward Bagby Pollard. SPIRIT, FAMILIAR. See FAMILIAR; DIVINATION;<br><b>PYTHON</b>. Multi-Version Concordance Familiar (35 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/familiar.htm - 22k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/employment.htm"><span class="l">Employment (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 16:16 And it came to pass in our going on to prayer, a certain maid, having<br> a spirit of <b>Python</b>, did meet us, who brought much employment to her masters by <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/employment.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/prophesying.htm"><span class="l">Prophesying (58 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 16:16 And it came to pass as we were going to prayer that a certain female<br> slave, having a spirit of <b>Python</b>, met us, who brought much profit to her <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/prophesying.htm - 25k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pyrrhus.htm"><span class="l">Pyrrhus (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pyrrhus.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/python-spirit.html">What is a python spirit? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/marine-spirits.html">What are marine spirits? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/leviathan-spirit.html">What is a leviathan spirit? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/python.htm">Python: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Python (6 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Acts 16:16</a></span><br />And it came to pass as we were going to prayer that a certain female slave, having a spirit of <span class="boldtext">Python</span>, met us, who brought much profit to her masters by prophesying.<br /><span class="source">(DBY YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/leviticus/20-27.htm">Leviticus 20:27</a></span><br />And if there be a man or a woman in whom is a spirit of <span class="boldtext">Python</span> or of divination, they shall certainly be put to death: they shall stone them with stones; their blood is upon them.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-11.htm">Deuteronomy 18:11</a></span><br />or a charmer, or one that inquireth of a spirit of <span class="boldtext">Python</span>, or a soothsayer, or one that consulteth the dead.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">1 Samuel 28:7</a></span><br />Then said Saul to his servants, Seek me a woman that has a spirit of <span class="boldtext">Python</span>, that I may go to her and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman who has a spirit of Python at En-dor.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-8.htm">1 Samuel 28:8</a></span><br />And Saul disguised himself, and put on other garments, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night; and he said, I pray thee, divine to me by the spirit of <span class="boldtext">Python</span>, and bring me him up whom I shall name to thee.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-13.htm">1 Chronicles 10:13</a></span><br />And Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he committed against Jehovah, because of the word of Jehovah which he kept not, and also for having inquired of the spirit of <span class="boldtext">Python</span>, asking counsel of it;<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/python.htm">Python</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/python.htm">Python (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/q/qir-hareseth.htm">Qir-hareseth</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/p/pyrrhus.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Pyrrhus"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Pyrrhus" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/q/qirhareseth.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Qirhareseth"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Qirhareseth" /></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="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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>