ek ́sor-siz'm, ek ́sor-sist (Ἐξορκιστής, Exorkistḗs, from ἐξορκίζω, exorkízō, “to adjure” (Matthew 26:63)):
One who expels demons by the use of magical formulas. In the strict etymological sense there is no exorcism in the Bible. The term “exorcists” is used once (Acts 19:13) in a way to discredit the professional exorcists familiarly known both among Jews and Gentiles.
The method of Jesus in dealing with demoniacs was not that of the exorcists. While it is said (Matthew 8:16) that He “cast out the spirits with a word,” it is abundantly clear that the word in question was not ritualistic but authoritative.
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Author: International Std. Bible Encyclopedia
Keywords: Exorcism, Exorcist, Exorcize, Exorcise, Exorcise demon, Demon, Mental illness, Mental illness demon, Demon mental illness, Driving out demons, Demons for real, Jesus drives out demons, Jesus expels demons, Christ drives out demons, Christ expels demons, Jesus cures, Jesus heals, Christ cures, Christ heals, Jesus cures demoniac, Jesus heals demoniac, Christ cures demoniac, Christ heals demoniac
Bible reference(s): Matthew 7:22, Matthew 12:24, Matthew 12:27, Mark 3:22, Luke 11:19, Acts 19:13
Source: James Orr (editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 5 volume set.
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