Many conjectures have been made by scholars as to the meaning of this name, but no final conclusion has been possible. Perhaps it may represent a Semitic word that has some such meaning as “sorcerer,” or “wizard.” In this case the phrase “by interpretation” would not mean that “Elymas” is a translation of “Bar-jesus,” but would merely be a way of adding that he was a sorcerer.

 Gr. magos (see on v. 6).

 The charlatan feared the loss of the influence he thought himself exercising over the proconsul. He saw his victim emancipating himself, passing from credulity toward the sorcerer to faith in the gospel, and that change Elymas was determined to check. Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses (2 Tim. 3:8) in somewhat parallel circumstances, and with the same sort of satanic endeavor.

At this point Sergius Paulus had not yet accepted the doctrine of Christ, though it is probable that both Elymas and he had heard much concerning the apostles’ message since they had landed at Salamis. The sorcerer saw that the proconsul’s interest was aroused, and he wished to divert his attention, lest he send for Barnabas and Saul. But the proconsul was determined in his purpose, and had the apostles brought before him.