Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

ACTS 19:13KJV
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Acts 19:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:13 mean?

Acts 19:13 describes some wandering Jewish exorcists who tried to use the name of Jesus, whom Paul preached about, to cast out evil spirits. These men were not followers of Jesus themselves but attempted to use his name as a kind of formula or incantation in their work.

In the story, these Jewish exorcists saw the power that Paul had when he spoke about Jesus and tried to imitate him, hoping for similar results. The verse highlights that they were not acting out of personal faith but were instead attempting to use the authority of Jesus’ name without truly knowing him. This sets up the events that follow, where the limits of using Jesus’ name without genuine belief become clear.

The Greek behind Acts 19:13

  • The word for "vagabond" is περιερχομένων (perierchomenōn), which means "going around" or "wandering." This shows these Jews were itinerant, traveling from place to place, not settled in one community.
  • The term "exorcists" is ἐξορκιστῶν (exorkistōn), meaning those who attempt to drive out spirits by invoking names or formulas. This highlights their profession and method, which relied on ritual words rather than personal authority.
  • The verb "adjure" is ὁρκίζω (horkizō), which means to solemnly command or charge someone, often by invoking a higher power. Here, it shows they were trying to command the spirits by appealing to Jesus’ name as if it were a magical word.

Why Acts 19:13 matters

  • Acts 19:13 helps clarify that simply using the name of Jesus, without faith or relationship, is not the same as having the authority that comes from truly knowing him.
  • The verse sets up a contrast between Paul’s genuine ministry and those who try to imitate him for their own purposes, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in spiritual matters.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the uniqueness of Jesus’ power and the dangers of treating spiritual realities as mere rituals or formulas.

Where else these words appear

“them” Greek G2021 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
  • Acts 9:29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

“adjure” Greek G3726 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

“vagabond” Greek G4022 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 28:13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
  • 1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
  • Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

“call” Greek G3687 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
  • 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
  • Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,