And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

ACTS 19:16KJV
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Acts 19:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:16 mean?

Acts 19:16 describes how a man possessed by an evil spirit attacked a group of people, overpowering them so completely that they ran out of the house naked and injured. The verse shows the dramatic and violent response of the possessed man when confronted by those trying to cast out the spirit.

In the story, this happens in Ephesus, where some men tried to use Jesus’ name to drive out evil spirits, even though they did not truly know Him. The possessed man turned on them, showing that invoking Jesus’ name without real faith or authority did not protect them. This event is part of a larger account demonstrating the reality of spiritual power and the dangers of misusing it.

The Greek behind Acts 19:16

  • The word "leaped" (ἐφαλλόμενος, ephallomenos) suggests a sudden, forceful attack, not just a casual movement. This highlights the violence and intensity of the encounter.
  • "Overcame" (κατακυριεύσας, katakyrieusas) means to master or dominate someone, showing that the possessed man had complete control over the attackers.
  • "Prevailed" (ἴσχυσεν, ischysen) carries the sense of having strength or power over someone, reinforcing that the attackers were no match for the possessed man.
  • "Naked" (γυμνοί, gymnoi) in this context often means stripped of clothing, which adds to the humiliation and total defeat of those who tried to confront the evil spirit.

Why Acts 19:16 matters

  • Acts 19:16 clears up the misunderstanding that simply using Jesus’ name, without genuine faith or relationship, gives someone spiritual authority or protection.
  • The verse emphasizes the real danger and seriousness of spiritual forces, especially for those who approach them carelessly or arrogantly.
  • This event connects to the wider passage by showing why the name of Jesus became highly respected in Ephesus, as people saw the difference between true and false authority.

Where else these words appear

“wounded” Greek G5135 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 20:12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

“overcame” Greek G2634 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
  • Mark 10:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
  • 1 Peter 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

“fled” Greek G1628 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

“naked” Greek G1131 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
  • Mark 14:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
  • Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.