simon magus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareReligious/Historical/Academic/Literary
Quick answer
What does “simon magus” mean?
A proper noun referring to a historical or legendary figure from the New Testament, known as a magician who attempted to buy spiritual power from the Apostles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to a historical or legendary figure from the New Testament, known as a magician who attempted to buy spiritual power from the Apostles.
A term symbolizing heresy, religious fraud, or the attempt to commercialize sacred or spiritual matters; used to denote a skilled but false or heretical teacher.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or spelling. Both varieties treat it as a proper noun.
Connotations
The term carries the same theological and historical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage, slightly more likely to appear in academic theological or historical texts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “simon magus” in a Sentence
Simon Magus (subject) + verb (e.g., attempted, offered, practised)the heresy/legend/story of Simon Magusa (modern) Simon MagusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “simon magus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - This is a proper noun.
American English
- N/A - This is a proper noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A - This is a proper noun.
American English
- N/A - This is a proper noun.
adjective
British English
- The Simon Magus legend is central to the doctrine on simony.
- He was accused of Simon Magus-like behaviour.
American English
- The Simon Magus story is a key part of Acts.
- His argument had a Simon Magus quality to it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. Potential figurative use for unethical sales of intangible or dubious value.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, and history, particularly regarding early Christianity, Gnosticism, and the concept of simony.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A specific term in Christian theology and church history.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “simon magus”
- Incorrect plural: 'Simon Maguses' (accepted but rare), 'Simons Magus' (incorrect). Preferred: 'figures like Simon Magus'. Incorrect capitalization when used as a common noun: 'a simon magus' (should be lowercase: 'a simon magus').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
He is mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 8:9-24) and by early Church Fathers, but many details of his life are legendary. He is considered a composite or symbolic figure by some historians.
The word 'simony' (the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges) is derived from his name, based on his attempt to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from the Apostles Peter and John.
Yes, when referring to the specific person. When used as a common noun to mean a heretical teacher or fraud (e.g., 'a modern simon magus'), it is often lowercase.
Almost exclusively in academic studies of religion, history, or theology, or in highly literary texts. It is not part of general vocabulary.
A proper noun referring to a historical or legendary figure from the New Testament, known as a magician who attempted to buy spiritual power from the Apostles.
Simon magus is usually religious/historical/academic/literary in register.
Simon magus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪmən ˈmeɪɡəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪmən ˈmeɪɡəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a (modern) Simon Magus”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SIMON the MAGUS tried to MAGNIFY his power by buying it.' SIMON MAGUS -> SIMONY (the sin of buying/selling church offices), which comes from his name.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL POWER IS A COMMODITY (the core metaphor behind his sin of simony).
Practice
Quiz
What is Simon Magus most famously associated with in Christian tradition?