Greek · G4436 · unreviewed

Πύθων

Divining spirit

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Πύθων G4436
Pronunciation Pýthōn

What does Πύθων (Pýthōn) mean in the Bible?

Πύθων (Pýthōn) is a Greek word meaning "divining spirit". πύθων, -ωνος, ὁ __1. Identifies the demonic source behind the girl’s proclamations. This term runs through the canonical themes of Spirit.

Full entry for Πύθων (G4436) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

divining spirit
Extended definition

Spirit of divination working through human mediums, named after Apollo's serpent oracle.

1in cl., Python, a serpent slain by Apollo, who is hence surnamed the Pythian.
2In Plut. (ii, 414 E), a name given to ventriloquist soothsayers (ἐγγαστρίμυθοι; cf. Lev.19:31 20:6, 27, 1Ki.28:7), and perhaps in this sense πνεῦμα πύθωνα, a python-spirit: Act.16:16.
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Why This Word Matters
Identifies the demonic source behind the girl’s proclamations. Acts 16:16-24
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences

Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.

Appears In

Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources