Acts 5:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whiles it remained {G3306}, was it not {G3780} thine own {G4671}{G3306}? and {G2532} after it was sold {G4097}, was it not {G5225} in {G1722} thine own {G4674} power {G1849}? why {G5101}{G3754} hast thou conceived {G5087} this {G5124} thing {G4229} in {G1722} thine {G4675} heart {G2588}? thou hast {G5574} not {G3756} lied {G5574} unto men {G444}, but {G235} unto God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Before you sold it, the property was yours; and after you sold it, the money was yours to use as you pleased. So what made you decide to do such a thing? You have lied not to human beings but to God!”

Berean Standard Bible

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!”

American Standard Version

While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:4 captures Peter's profound indictment of Ananias, laying bare the true nature of his deception regarding the sale of his property. The verse underscores the absolute freedom Ananias possessed over his possessions both before and after their sale, revealing that his sin was not in withholding funds but in the deliberate, premeditated falsehood conceived in his heart. Crucially, Peter clarifies that Ananias's lie was not merely against human beings, but a direct affront to God Himself, highlighting the divine presence and authority within the early Christian community and the gravity of hypocrisy before the Holy Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of [Acts chapter 5](/acts/5 "Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira"), following the vibrant depiction of the early church's unity, generosity, and the powerful witness of the apostles in [Acts 4:32-37](/acts/4-32-37 "Acts 4:32-37 - The Early Church's Unity and Generosity"). The preceding verses emphasize that believers were voluntarily selling possessions and laying the proceeds at the apostles' feet for equitable distribution among those in need. Barnabas is highlighted as a positive example of this selfless giving. Ananias and Sapphira, however, sought the reputation of generosity without the reality, attempting to deceive the community and, as Peter reveals, God himself, by pretending to give the full amount while secretly retaining a portion. This incident serves as a stark contrast to the genuine fellowship and integrity portrayed earlier, marking a critical moment of divine discipline to preserve the purity of the nascent church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community in Jerusalem operated within a Jewish cultural framework that valued communal support, especially for the poor and needy, as seen in the Old Testament laws regarding tithing and gleaning. However, the radical sharing described in Acts was voluntary, not a mandated communalism like some later monastic orders. Property ownership was a norm, and there was no command for believers to liquidate all their assets. The early church was a burgeoning movement, still finding its footing and establishing its internal norms. The presence of the apostles as authoritative figures, empowered by the Holy Spirit, meant that their pronouncements carried divine weight. Deception within such a close-knit, Spirit-filled community, particularly concerning matters of integrity and financial stewardship, was seen as a profound betrayal, not just of trust among believers, but of the divine presence actively working among them.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 5:4](/acts/5-4 "Acts 5:4 - Peter's Confrontation with Ananias") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **voluntary giving** within the body of Christ, explicitly stating that Ananias was under no obligation to sell his property or to give all the proceeds. This highlights that true generosity stems from a willing heart, not compulsion, a principle echoed in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving"). Secondly, the verse exposes the **insidious nature of hypocrisy and deceit**, revealing that the sin was not merely in withholding money but in the premeditated lie conceived in the heart. This points to the internal disposition and the desire for false recognition as the root of the transgression. Thirdly, and most profoundly, it affirms the **deity and personhood of the Holy Spirit**, equating lying to the Spirit with lying to God, a truth also evident in [Acts 5:3](/acts/5-3 "Acts 5:3 - Lying to the Holy Spirit"). This incident thus establishes the critical importance of **holiness and integrity** within the church, demonstrating God's commitment to maintaining the purity and truthfulness of His community from its very foundation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Power (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term (G1849) denotes privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, often implying delegated influence or authority. In this context, Peter uses it to emphasize Ananias's complete **liberty** and **right** over his property. He had full "power" or "authority" to decide what to do with it, both before and after the sale. This highlights that his sin was not a violation of a communal property rule, but a betrayal of truth while exercising his legitimate freedom.
* **Conceived (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** While its primary meaning (G5087) is "to place" or "to put," in this context, it carries the figurative sense of "to conceive," "to purpose," or "to settle" something in the mind or heart. Peter's question, "why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?", points to the **premeditated and deliberate nature** of Ananias's deception. It was not a spontaneous mistake but a thought or plan that he intentionally formed and harbored in his inner being.
* **Lied (Greek, _pseúdomai'_):** This verb (G5574) means "to utter an untruth" or "to attempt to deceive by falsehood." Peter's declaration, "thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God," starkly clarifies the ultimate recipient and gravity of Ananias's deception. It underscores that the falsehood was not merely a social transgression or a betrayal of human trust, but a direct affront to the divine presence and truth, revealing the Holy Spirit's identity as God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?"**: Peter's rhetorical questions emphatically establish Ananias's complete autonomy over his property. Before the sale, the land was unequivocally his, and he was under no obligation to sell it. After the sale, the proceeds were still "in thine own power" (under his control and authority). This powerfully refutes any notion that Ananias was compelled to give the money or that his sin was merely a failure to conform to an expected communal standard. His freedom of choice is paramount to understanding the nature of his sin.
* **"why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?"**: This clause cuts to the core of Ananias's transgression, revealing its internal, premeditated origin. The sin was not an impulsive act but a deliberate plan or intention ("this thing") that he had formed and harbored within his "heart"—the biblical seat of thought, will, and moral character. This question exposes the deep-seated hypocrisy and deceit that motivated his actions, emphasizing the intentionality behind his lie.
* **"thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."**: This is the climactic and most profound statement of the verse. Peter elevates the nature of Ananias's sin from a mere human transgression to a direct offense against the divine. By stating that the lie was not "unto men" (the apostles or the community) but "unto God," Peter unequivocally asserts the deity of the Holy Spirit, whom Ananias had attempted to deceive (as stated in [Acts 5:3](/acts/5-3 "Acts 5:3 - Lying to the Holy Spirit")). This declaration highlights the immense presence and authority of God within the early church and the severe consequences of attempting to deceive Him.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 5:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, seen in "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?" These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make an undeniable point, emphasizing Ananias's complete freedom and thus the intentionality of his sin. This device also serves to highlight the **Irony** of Ananias's situation: he had full liberty but chose to abuse it through deception. The verse then uses powerful **Contrast** with the phrase "thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." This sharp antithesis dramatically elevates the gravity of Ananias's sin, moving it from the realm of human deceit to divine offense. This contrast also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the Holy Spirit's divine nature and the sacredness of the early Christian community as a place where God's presence was acutely felt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:4 serves as a foundational text for understanding the seriousness of sin, particularly hypocrisy and deceit, within the community of faith. It powerfully affirms the deity of the Holy Spirit, equating a lie against the Spirit with a lie against God Himself, thereby establishing the Spirit's full divine personhood. The passage also underscores God's commitment to the purity and integrity of His church, demonstrating that divine judgment will fall upon those who attempt to defile it with falsehood. This incident, therefore, is not merely a historical anecdote but a timeless lesson on the importance of sincerity, truthfulness, and reverence for God's presence among His people. It reveals that God sees beyond outward appearances and judges the intentions of the heart, demanding genuine devotion rather than performative piety.

* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience")
* [Luke 12:1-3](/luke/12-1-3 "Luke 12:1-3 - Beware of Hypocrisy")
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speaking Truth to One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the authenticity of our faith and actions. The freedom Ananias had over his property reminds us that our giving, service, and indeed all aspects of our Christian walk, should be motivated by genuine love and devotion, not by compulsion, a desire for human praise, or a need to maintain an outward image. God is not interested in our performance, but in the sincerity of our hearts. When we engage in any form of deception, whether in our financial dealings, our relationships, or our spiritual practices, we are not merely misleading others; we are ultimately lying to God, who sees and knows all. This verse calls us to a radical integrity, where our private lives align with our public declarations, and our motives are pure before the One who searches the heart. It compels us to cultivate a profound reverence for the Holy Spirit, recognizing His divine presence and authority in our lives and in the church, and to live in a manner that honors His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to present a false image or act with insincere motives, particularly in spiritual contexts?**
* **How does recognizing that "lying to men" can ultimately be "lying to God" change my perspective on truthfulness in everyday interactions?**
* **What does the severity of Ananias's judgment teach me about God's holiness and His expectations for the purity of His church?**
* **Am I truly exercising my freedom in Christ to serve Him wholeheartedly, or am I holding back parts of myself, my resources, or my gifts out of fear or a desire for personal gain?**

### FAQ

**Was Ananias punished for not giving all his money to the church?**

Answer: No, Ananias was not punished for withholding a portion of the money. Peter explicitly states, "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?" This confirms that Ananias had complete freedom and authority over his property and its proceeds. The sin was not in keeping back some of the money, but in the deliberate deception—pretending to give the entire amount while secretly retaining a portion, thereby lying about the extent of his offering. His punishment was for the hypocrisy and deceit, not for a lack of total generosity. The early church's practice of sharing was voluntary, not compulsory, as seen in the example of Barnabas in [Acts 4:36-37](/acts/4-36-37 "Acts 4:36-37 - Barnabas's Generosity").

**Why was the punishment for Ananias and Sapphira so severe?**

Answer: The severe judgment on Ananias and Sapphira served multiple critical purposes for the nascent Christian church. Firstly, it underscored the absolute holiness and truthfulness of God, particularly the Holy Spirit, whose presence was powerfully at work in the early community. Lying to the Holy Spirit was equated with lying to God Himself, a grave offense. Secondly, it acted as a deterrent against hypocrisy and deceit, ensuring the purity and integrity of the church from its very foundation. In a new movement seeking to establish its identity and witness, maintaining moral and spiritual purity was paramount. This divine discipline established a clear standard for sincerity and truthfulness among believers, preventing the spread of corruption and reinforcing the seriousness of covenant relationship with God. It was a foundational lesson that God takes sin within His house very seriously, as also seen in Old Testament accounts like [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:4, while a narrative of judgment, powerfully illuminates Christ's redemptive work and the nature of His kingdom. The very sin of Ananias—deceit originating in the heart and directed against God—is precisely what necessitated Christ's atoning sacrifice. Humanity's fundamental problem, as revealed here, is not merely external actions but the internal disposition of a heart prone to sin and falsehood, as Jesus Himself taught in [Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21-23 "Mark 7:21-23 - What Defiles a Person"). Christ came to redeem such hearts, offering forgiveness and a new nature through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is here revealed as God. The severity of the judgment on Ananias and Sapphira underscores God's unwavering holiness and His demand for truth and purity within His new covenant community, the Church, which Christ purchased with His own blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders")). The Holy Spirit, whom Ananias lied to, is the Spirit of Christ ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ")), empowering believers to live in truth and holiness, a life impossible apart from Christ's transformative work. Thus, this passage, by exposing the depth of human sin and God's righteous judgment, ultimately points to the profound necessity and efficacy of Christ's cross in establishing a people truly set apart for God, whose hearts are made new to walk in integrity and truth before Him ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting on the New Self")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 5:3

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?

1 Chronicles 29:3

Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, [which] I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

2 Kings 5:25

But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence [comest thou], Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

2 Kings 5:27

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

1 Thessalonians 4:8

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Joshua 7:25

And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.

Joshua 7:26

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.