Bible Dictionary
Elymas
Elymas was the magician also called Bar-Jesus. He opposed Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus and was struck blind by divine judgment.
Definition
Elymas was the Arabic name of Bar-Jesus, a Jewish magician or sorcerer. His name is associated with the meaning “wise man.”
Biblical Usage
Elymas opposed Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Paul pronounced judgment upon him, and Elymas was struck with blindness.
Historical Background
The incident is dated in the supplied material to about A.D. 44 and occurred during the ministry of Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Magician or sorcerer, the Arabic name of the Jew Bar-jesus, who withstood Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus. He was miraculously struck with blindness (Acts 13:11).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(a wise man), the Arabic name of the Jewish magus or sorcerer Bar-jesus. (Acts 13:6) ff. (A.D. 44.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>el'-i-mas (Elumas, "wise"; Ac 13:8).</p><p>See BAR-JESUS.</p>