simony
/ˈsaɪməni/
noun
Origin
Late Latin
Simonis — Derived from the name Simon Magus
Overview
Meaning Now
- The act of buying or selling ecclesiastical offices, benefices, or sacred things.
Language path
Late Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
simonie
Earliest period
12th century
Journey
The term is named after Simon Magus, a Samaritan religious figure described in the New Testament (Acts 8:9–24). According to the text, he attempted to purchase from Saint Peter and Saint John the power to confer the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. Peter famously rebuked him, saying, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money.' The term was later used in the Middle Ages to condemn the corruption of church officials selling appointments.
Evolution
- 1st century AD
Simon Magus
“The sorcerer who offered money to the apostles for the power of the Holy Spirit”
Acts 8:18-20
- Late Latin
simonia
“The traffic in sacred things”
- Old French
simonie
“Selling church offices”
- Middle English
simonie
“The buying/selling of spiritual benefits”
Connections
Word parts
Simon
root
Biblical figure Simon Magus
-y
suffix
forming abstract nouns
Related across languages
French
simonie
simony
Italian
simonia
simony
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.