Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

ACTS 8:19KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 8:19 (KJV)

What does Acts 8:19 mean?

Acts 8:19 shows a man named Simon asking the apostles to give him the same power they have, so that anyone he lays his hands on will receive the Holy Spirit. Simon is offering money for this ability, treating the gift of the Holy Spirit as something that can be bought.

Simon, who had previously practiced sorcery in Samaria, is speaking to Peter and John after seeing them lay hands on new believers, who then receive the Holy Spirit. Simon’s request reveals that he misunderstands the nature of God’s gifts, seeing spiritual power as a commodity rather than a gift given by God through the apostles.

The Greek behind Acts 8:19

  • ἐξουσία (exousia, "power"): This word often means authority or the right to act, not just raw ability. Simon is asking for the same kind of official, God-given authority the apostles have.
  • δός (dos, "give"): The Greek here is a command, showing Simon’s boldness in thinking he can simply ask for and receive this spiritual authority.
  • λαμβάνω (lambanō, "receive"): This word means to take or receive, highlighting that Simon sees the Holy Spirit as something that can be transferred at will, rather than as a gift from God.

Why Acts 8:19 matters

  • Acts 8:19 clarifies that spiritual gifts, especially the giving of the Holy Spirit, are not for sale or under human control, but are given by God’s will.
  • The verse highlights the difference between the apostles’ God-given authority and Simon’s misunderstanding, setting up Peter’s strong response in the following verses.
  • This moment connects to the wider story in Acts, where the spread of the gospel to new groups is always marked by God’s initiative, not human manipulation or purchase.

Where else these words appear

“on” Greek G2007 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

“also” Greek G2504 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“power” Greek G1849 · used in 93 verses

  • Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

“this” Greek G5026 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
  • Acts 23:13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.