Keraia
Acts 5

Acts 5:4

Ananias and Sapphira · Acts 5:1–11
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Translations

Modern
Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”
Traditional
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Literal
Remaining, did it not remain yours? And having been sold, was it not in your own authority? Why did you purpose this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men but to God!”
Latin
…nonne manens tibi manebat, et venundatum in tua erat potestate? quare posuisti in corde tuo hanc rem? non es mentitus hominibus, sed Deo.

Interlinear

Greek
English
Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”

Notes

Acts 5:3–4

By lying about the sale of their land, Ananias was not just being dishonest towards others but also toward the Holy Spirit. This means he was lying to God. His actions harmed the honesty, unity, and integrity of the church at its foundation. As a result, he experienced God's direct judgment (compare Leviticus 10:1–5; Joshua 7:16–26).

Acts 5:1–11

Luke likes to balance a positive example with a negative one. He just shared the remarkable and positive story of Barnabas (4:36–37). Now, Luke shows the opposite behavior of Ananias and Sapphira. This couple desired to earn status in the community and for others to admire them. Ananias did not have to sell his property or give away the money. Their sin was pretending and dishonesty.

Events

Glossary

Ananias Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Heart Mourning Peter, the Apostle

Topics

Ananias: A Covetous Member of Church at Jerusalem--Falsehood and Death of Communism: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Ananias Death of the Wicked Falsehood: Ananias and Sapphira Falsely State That They had Sold Their Land for a Given Sum Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrisy: Ananias and Sapphira Hypocrites: Ananias Judgments: Upon Individuals - Exemplified: Ananias Land: Bought and Sold Offenses Against the Holy Spirit: Exhibited in Lying to Him Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Reproof of Those Who offend, a Warning to Others Sapphira: Falsehood and Death of The Holy Spirit: is God: As Called God The Trinity: Divine Titles Applied to the Three Persons In Titles and Names of the Holy Spirit: God Vows of Ananias and Sapphira, in the Dedication of the Proceeds of the Sale of Their Land Women: Sapphira, in Her Blasphemous Falsehood