simoniac etymology

Etymology

The word "simoniac" is derived from the name of Simon Magus, a Samaritan magician mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible. According to the story, Simon tried to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit from the apostles Peter and John. Peter rebuked him, saying, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!" (Acts 8:20).

Meaning and Origin

A "simoniac" is a person who buys or sells ecclesiastical offices or spiritual benefits. Simony is the practice of trading in spiritual things for material gain. It is considered a serious offense in the Catholic Church and is prohibited by canon law.

The term "simoniac" has also been used more broadly to refer to anyone who engages in corrupt or unethical behavior, especially in a religious context.

simoniac relate terms

  • simony

    Etymology Derived from the name Simon Magus a Samaritan magician mentioned in the Ac

  • sequester

    Etymology Late Latin sequestrare to remove set apart from Latin se apart quaere

  • Egypt

  • rice

    Etymology The word rice comes from the Middle English word rys which is derived fro

  • tantalize

    Etymology Middle English tantelize tantalyze Late Latin tantalizare Greek Tantalizein

  • duty

    Etymology Middle English duete duetee from Anglo Norman French duete dutee from Lat

  • abstruse

    Etymology The word abstruse originated from the Latin word abstrusus which means h

  • contrite

    Etymology Latin contritus past participle of conterere to rub together crush grind

  • communion

    Etymology The word communion comes from the Latin word communio which means sharin

  • guilt

    Etymology Old English gylt crime sin Proto Germanic gultiz debt guilt Proto Indo

  • account

    Etymology The word account comes from the Old French word acount which in turn deriv