The reference to bitterness may remind one of similar words in Deuteronomy 29:18 where it refers to someone who endangers the people of God by leading them into idolatry.1 Being in the bond of iniquity has connections with the Septuagint's translation of Deuteronomy 29:18 and may thus be a way of saying that Simon is still in the dominion of darkness.2 What is clear, however, is that Simon is on course to experience God’s wrath as a result of his sinful attitude and he must repent if he is to live.3
23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”