{A spirit of divination} (pneuma puth(936e)a). So the correct
text with accusative (apparition, a spirit, a python), not the
genitive (puth(936e)os). Hesychius defines it as daimonion
manikon (a spirit of divination). The etymology of the word is
unknown. Bengel suggests puthesthai from punthanomai, to
inquire. Python was the name given to the serpent that kept guard
at Delphi, slain by Apollo, who was called Puthios Apollo and
the prophetess at Delphi was termed Pythia. Certainly Luke does
not mean to credit Apollo with a real existence ( 1Co 8:4 ). But
Plutarch (A.D. 50-100) says that the term puth(936e)es was applied
to ventriloquists (eggastrimuthoi). In the LXX those with
familiar spirits are called by this word ventriloquists ( Le
19:31  20:6,27 , including the witch of Endor  1Sa 28:7 ). It is
possible that this slave girl had this gift of prophecy "by
soothsaying" (manteuomen(885c)). Present middle participle of
manteuomai, old heathen word (in contrast with proph(8874)eu(935c))
for acting the seer (mantis) and this kin to mainomai, to be
mad, like the howling dervishes of later times. This is the
so-called instrumental use of the circumstantial participles.
{Brought} (pareichen). Imperfect active of parech(935c), a steady
source of income. {Much gain} (ergasian poll(886e)). Work,
business, from ergazomai, to work. {Her masters} (	ois kuriois
aut(8873)). Dative case. Joint owners of this poor slave girl who
were exploiting her calamity, whatever it was, for selfish gain,
just as men and women today exploit girls and women in the "white
slave" trade. As a fortune-teller she was a valuable asset for
all the credulous dupes of the community. Simon Magus in Samaria
and Elymas Barjesus in Cyprus had won power and wealth as
soothsayers.