Acts 13:10
And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Acts 13:10 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse from the Book of Acts, Paul is addressing a sorcerer named Elymas who was trying to turn the Roman proconsul away from faith. Paul's words are a condemnation of Elymas's actions, accusing him of being full of deceit and malice, likening him to a child of the devil and an enemy of righteousness. The verse highlights the seriousness of perverting the ways of the Lord and the consequences of misleading others from the path of truth. It serves as a strong reminder of the importance of staying true to God's teachings and resisting the temptation to lead others astray. By calling out Elymas in this way, Paul emphasizes the need to confront those who seek to distort or twist the message of the Lord, urging believers to stand firm in their faith and uphold the right ways of the Lord.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from Acts 13:10, we see the apostle Paul delivering a stern rebuke to a sorcerer named Elymas who had been opposing the teachings of the Lord. The words used to describe Elymas - full of all subtlety, mischief, child of the devil, enemy of all righteousness, and perverter of the right ways of the Lord - illustrate the seriousness of his actions. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the presence of spiritual warfare and the battle between good and evil. By calling Elymas a child of the devil, Paul emphasizes the dangerous spiritual state of those who oppose the ways of the Lord. Additionally, the use of the word "pervert" underscores the harmful effects of twisting or distorting the truth of God. This passage serves as a reminder to believers to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to confront evil with the truth of the gospel.
Acts 13:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
and said, O full of all guile and all villany, thou son of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
World English Bible
and said, “Full of all deceit and all cunning, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Douay-Rheims
Said: O full of all guile and of all deceit, child of the devil, enemy of all justice, thou ceases not to pervert the right ways of the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And sayde, O full of all subtiltie and all mischiefe, the childe of the deuill, and enemie of all righteousnesse, wilt thou not cease to peruert the straight waies of the Lord?