And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

ACTS 16:18KJV
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Acts 16:18 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:18 mean?

Acts 16:18 describes how Paul, after being troubled for many days by a slave girl possessed by a spirit, commands the spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, and the spirit immediately departs. This verse shows Paul taking decisive action to free the girl from spiritual oppression.

Paul is in Philippi with his companions when a slave girl, who is possessed by a spirit and brings profit to her owners by fortune-telling, follows them and cries out for several days. Paul becomes deeply disturbed (the King James Version says "grieved") and directly addresses the spirit within her, commanding it to leave by the authority of Jesus Christ. The spirit obeys and leaves the girl at once, demonstrating the power of Jesus’ name and authority over spiritual forces.

The Greek behind Acts 16:18

  • The word "grieved" is from διαπονέω (diaponeō), which means deeply troubled or annoyed. This highlights that Paul’s reaction was not just irritation, but a strong inner distress over the situation.
  • The command "I command thee" uses παραγγέλλω (parangellō), which often carries the sense of giving an authoritative order. Paul is not making a request but giving a firm directive.
  • The phrase "in the name of Jesus Christ" uses ὄνομα (onoma) for "name," which in Greek culture often means acting with the authority or power of the named person. Paul is invoking Jesus’ authority, not his own.
  • The word for "spirit" is πνεῦμα (pneuma), which can mean spirit, wind, or breath, but in this context clearly refers to a supernatural being.

Why Acts 16:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s authority to cast out the spirit comes from Jesus Christ, not from any personal power or magical formula.
  • It shows that Paul’s motivation is not self-interest or annoyance alone, but a deeper concern for the girl’s well-being and the disruptive influence of the spirit.
  • Acts 16:18 sets up the events that follow, where the girl’s owners become angry at the loss of their income, leading to Paul and Silas’s imprisonment—showing how acts of spiritual deliverance can have real-world consequences.

Where else these words appear

“grieved” Greek G1278 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

“command” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

“turned” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

“hour” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  • John 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.