Acts 5:1
New International Version
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.

New Living Translation
But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property.

English Standard Version
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

Berean Standard Bible
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.

Berean Literal Bible
Now a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a property,

King James Bible
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

New King James Version
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

New American Standard Bible
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

NASB 1995
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

NASB 1977
But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

Legacy Standard Bible
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

Amplified Bible
Now a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

Christian Standard Bible
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.

American Standard Version
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Contemporary English Version
Ananias and his wife Sapphira also sold a piece of property.

English Revised Version
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold some property.

Good News Translation
But there was a man named Ananias, who with his wife Sapphira sold some property that belonged to them.

International Standard Version
But then a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold some property.

Majority Standard Bible
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.

NET Bible
Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property.

New Heart English Bible
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sappirah, his wife, sold a possession,

Webster's Bible Translation
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Weymouth New Testament
There was a man of the name of Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, sold some property but,

World English Bible
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And a certain man, Ananias by name, with his wife Sapphira, sold a possession,

Berean Literal Bible
Now a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a property,

Young's Literal Translation
And a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Smith's Literal Translation
And a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
BUT a certain man named Ananias, with Saphira his wife, sold a piece of land,

Catholic Public Domain Version
But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a field,

New American Bible
A man named Ananias, however, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.

New Revised Standard Version
But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
BUT a certain man called An-a-ni’as, to gether with his wife named Shapphi’ra, sold his field.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
One man whose name was Khanan-Yah, with his wife, whose name was Shappira, had sold his field.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Godbey New Testament
And a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold an estate

Haweis New Testament
NOW a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, had sold an estate,

Mace New Testament
Now there was a certain man named Ananias who with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Weymouth New Testament
There was a man of the name of Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, sold some property but,

Worrell New Testament
But a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Worsley New Testament
But a certain man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ananias and Sapphira
1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet.…

Cross References
Joshua 7:1
The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites.

2 Kings 5:20-27
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” / So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” / “Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’” ...

Leviticus 10:1-2
Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.

Numbers 16:1-35
Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted / a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly. / They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” ...

1 Samuel 15:22-23
But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”

Malachi 3:8-9
Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me.

Proverbs 15:27
He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.

Ezekiel 18:4
Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

Jeremiah 17:11
Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”

Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Matthew 23:28
In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Luke 12:1-2
In the meantime, a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling one another. Jesus began to speak first to His disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. / There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.

Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

John 12:6
Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.

Romans 2:8
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.


Treasury of Scripture

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Cir.

Leviticus 10:1-3
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not…

Joshua 6:1
Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.

Matthew 13:47,48
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: …

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Ananias Anani'as Money Piece Possession Property Sold Together Wife
Acts 5
1. After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife,
3. at Peter's rebuke had fallen down dead;
12. and that the rest of the apostles had wrought many miracles;
14. to the increase of the faith;
17. the apostles are again imprisoned;
19. but delivered by an angel bidding them preach openly to all;
21. when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple,
29. and before the council,
33. they are in danger to be killed;
34. but through the advice of Gamaliel, they are kept alive, and are only beaten;
41. for which they glorify God, and cease no day from preaching.














Now a man named Ananias
The name "Ananias" is derived from the Hebrew name "Hananiah," which means "Yahweh is gracious." This name is significant in the context of the early church, as it reflects the grace of God that was being poured out upon the believers. However, the account of Ananias serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of God's grace. Historically, names in the Bible often carry deep meanings and can reflect the character or destiny of the individual. In this case, Ananias's actions contrast sharply with the graciousness implied by his name, highlighting the tension between divine grace and human sinfulness.

together with his wife Sapphira
The name "Sapphira" is of Aramaic origin, meaning "beautiful" or "sapphire." In biblical times, sapphires were considered precious and valuable, symbolizing beauty and worth. The mention of Sapphira alongside Ananias indicates a partnership in both marriage and the decision they made regarding the property. This phrase underscores the unity and complicity in their actions, reminding us of the importance of integrity and honesty within relationships. The early church was characterized by communal living and shared resources, and the actions of Ananias and Sapphira stand in stark contrast to the spirit of generosity and transparency that was expected.

also sold a piece of property
The act of selling property was common in the early church, as believers were moved by the Holy Spirit to support one another and ensure that no one was in need. The word "also" suggests that Ananias and Sapphira were following the example of others, such as Barnabas, who had sold land and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37). This context highlights the communal and sacrificial nature of the early Christian community. However, the subsequent actions of Ananias and Sapphira reveal a deviation from the genuine spirit of giving. The selling of property was not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act of worship and trust in God's provision. Their account serves as a reminder of the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in our offerings to God.

V.

(1, 2) A certain man named Ananias.--The name meets us again as belonging to the high priest in Acts 23:2, and was the Greek form of the Hebrew Hananiah. It had the same significance as John, or Johanan, "The Lord be gracious." "Sapphira," is either connected with the "sapphire," as a precious stone, or from a Hebrew word signifying "beautiful" or "pleasant." The whole history must be read in connection with the act of Barnabas. He, it seemed, had gained praise and power by his self-sacrifice. Ananias thought that he could get at the same result more cheaply. The act shows a strange mingling of discordant elements. Zeal and faith of some sort had led him to profess himself a believer. Ambition was strong enough to win a partial victory over avarice; avarice was strong enough to triumph over truth. The impulse to sell came from the Spirit of God; it was counteracted by the spirit of evil, and the resulting sin was therefore worse than that of one who lived altogether in the lower, commoner forms of covetousness. It was an attempt to serve God and mammon; to gain the reputation of a saint, without the reality of holiness. The sin of Ananias is, in some aspects, like that of Gehazi (2Kings 5:20-27), but it was against greater light and intensified by a more profound hypocrisy, and it was therefore visited by a more terrible chastisement. We may well trace in the earnestness with which St. James warns men against the peril of the "double mind"--i.e., the heart divided between the world and God (James 1:8; James 4:8)--the impression made on him by such a history as this.

Verse 1. - Ananias (Ἀνανίας) In Nehemiah 3:23 the Hebrew name ענַנְיָה (God covers or protects) is thus rendered in the LXX. But the name occurs nowhere else. The very common name הֲנַנְיָה Hananiah (God is gracious), is also rendered in the LXX. Ananias (Ἀνανίας), and is doubtless the name meant here and in Acts 9:10; Acts 23:2, etc. Sapphira does not occur elsewhere. It is either derived from the Aramean שַׁפָירָה, beautiful, or from the Hebrew סַפִיר, a sapphire. A possession (see Acts 2:45). The kind of possession is not specified by the word itself, which applies to houses, fields, jewels, and wealth generally; but the nature of the property is shown by the word χωρίον, applied to it in vers. 3 and 8, which means especially" a parcel of ground" (John 4:5), "a field" (Acts 1:18, 19).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

a
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

man
Ἀνὴρ (Anēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

named
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

Ananias,
Ἁνανίας (Hananias)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 367: Of Hebrew origin; Ananias, the name of three Israelites.

together with
σὺν (syn)
Preposition
Strong's 4862: With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

wife
γυναικὶ (gynaiki)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

Sapphira,
Σαπφίρῃ (Sapphirē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4551: Sapphira, wife of Ananias, an early Christian. Feminine of sappheiros; Sapphire, an Israelitess.

[also] sold
ἐπώλησεν (epōlēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4453: To sell, exchange, barter. Probably ultimately from pelomai; to barter, i.e. To sell.

a piece of property.
κτῆμα (ktēma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2933: From ktaomai; an acquirement, i.e. Estate.


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NT Apostles: Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 4:37
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