Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Simony: meaning, definitions and examples

โ›ช
Add to dictionary

simony

 

[ หˆsษชmษ™ni ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious context

Simony is the act of selling or buying ecclesiastical privileges, offices, or sacraments. This practice is considered a grave sin in many religious traditions, particularly in Christianity. The term originates from the biblical figure Simon Magus, who attempted to purchase spiritual powers from the apostles. Simony is often associated with corruption within the church and has been condemned by various religious authorities throughout history. The prohibition against simony is rooted in the belief that spiritual gifts cannot be bought or sold.

Synonyms

church corruption, ecclesiastical commerce, spiritual profiteering.

Examples of usage

  • His attempt at simony was met with strong opposition from the church.
  • The medieval period saw rampant simony among clergy members.
  • The scandal erupted after allegations of simony surfaced among high-ranking officials.
  • She denounced simony in her sermon, emphasizing the sanctity of spiritual gifts.

Translations

Translations of the word "simony" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น simonia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฟเคฎเคจเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Simonie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ simoni

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธะผะพะฝั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ symonia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒขใƒ‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท simonie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ simoniรญa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท simoni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹œ๋ชจ๋‹ˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุณู…ูˆู†ูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ simonie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ simรณnia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฅฟ้—จๅฐผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ simonia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรญmรณnรญa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะธะผะพะฝะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒ›แƒแƒœแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ simoniya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ simoniรญa

Etymology

The term 'simony' is derived from the name of Simon Magus, a figure from the New Testament who attempted to purchase the ability to confer the Holy Spirit from the apostles Peter and John. This act, described in the Book of Acts, was condemned by Peter, who rebuked Simon for his greed. The word 'simony' itself first appeared in the writings of church fathers in the 4th century, as they sought to address and legislate against this form of corruption. Over the centuries, it has become a key concept in discussions of church ethics and the relationship between money and religious authority. The impact of simony has influenced church reform movements, particularly during the medieval period when the selling of church offices became rampant, leading to widespread theological debates and calls for reform. The practice highlighted the tension between spiritual and temporal powers, a theme that remains relevant in contemporary discussions about the integrity of religious institutions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,662 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.