Acts 5:5

KJV

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Ananias {G367} hearing {G191} these {G5128} words {G3056} fell down {G4098}, and gave up the ghost {G1634}: and {G2532} great {G3173} fear {G5401} came {G1096} on {G1909} all {G3956} them that heard {G191} these things {G5023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On hearing these words, Hananyah fell down dead; and everyone who heard about it was terrified.

Berean Standard Bible

On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened.

American Standard Version

And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:5 records the immediate and dramatic divine judgment upon Ananias, who, after being confronted by Peter for deceitfully withholding part of the proceeds from a property sale while claiming to give the full amount, collapsed and died. This startling event, which followed his lie to the Holy Spirit, instilled a profound sense of reverential awe and fear among all who witnessed or heard of it, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's holiness and the seriousness with which He regards truth and integrity within the nascent Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 5:5 is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of Ananias and Sapphira in [Acts 5:1-11](/acts/5-1-11 "Acts 5:1-11 - Ananias and Sapphira"). This account immediately follows the exemplary generosity of Barnabas, who sold a field and laid the entire proceeds at the apostles' feet (cf. [Acts 4:36-37](/acts/4-36-37 "Acts 4:36-37 - Barnabas's Generosity")). The early church practiced a form of communal living where believers voluntarily sold possessions and shared the funds, demonstrating radical unity and care for one another (cf. [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Early Church's Communal Life") and [Acts 4:32-35](/acts/4-32-35 "Acts 4:32-35 - Sharing All Things in Common")). Ananias and Sapphira's sin was not in withholding money—Peter explicitly states they were free to keep or sell their property as they wished ([Acts 5:4](/acts/5-4 "Acts 5:4 - Peter's Confrontation with Ananias"))—but in their deliberate deception, attempting to appear more generous than they were, thereby lying to God and the Holy Spirit. Ananias's death is the first of two such judgments in this chapter, followed by his wife Sapphira's death, emphasizing the severity of their sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem was a new spiritual community, distinct from Jewish society, though still operating within its broader cultural framework. This community was characterized by profound unity, spiritual power, and a visible demonstration of God's presence. In such a formative period, the purity and integrity of the community were paramount. The immediate and visible judgment on Ananias and Sapphira served a foundational purpose: to establish the seriousness of covenant relationship with God and the high standards of truthfulness and holiness expected within the body of Christ. Such dramatic divine intervention would have been understood by a Jewish audience as a manifestation of God's direct involvement in His people's affairs, reminiscent of judgments in the Old Testament that established the holiness of God and the sanctity of His covenant, such as the deaths of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire ([Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Sin and Judgment")). This event underscored that the Holy Spirit's presence brought not only blessing but also divine scrutiny.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Holiness and Justice**, demonstrating that God is not to be trifled with and that sin, especially hypocrisy and deceit within His covenant community, incurs His righteous judgment. Secondly, it underscores the **Authority and Deity of the Holy Spirit**. Peter's declaration that Ananias had "lied to the Holy Spirit" ([Acts 5:3](/acts/5-3 "Acts 5:3 - Lying to the Holy Spirit")) and "not to men but to God" ([Acts 5:4](/acts/5-4 "Acts 5:4 - Lying to God")) unequivocally equates lying to the Spirit with lying to God, affirming the Spirit's divine personhood and authority. Thirdly, the resulting "great fear" emphasizes the theme of **Reverential Fear of God**. This was not merely terror but a profound awe and respect for God's power, purity, and justice, a necessary foundation for genuine worship and obedient living. Finally, the incident stresses the critical importance of **Integrity and Sincerity** within the Christian life. God desires truth in the inner being, not outward show or pretense, a principle echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 51:6](/psalms/51-6 "Psalm 51:6 - God Desires Truth in the Inward Being")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearing (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, meaning "to hear (in various senses)." In this context, Ananias heard Peter's words, which were a direct confrontation and revelation of his sin. This implies not just auditory perception but comprehension of the gravity and divine source of the accusation. His hearing was complete, leaving no room for misunderstanding or excuse.
* **fell down (Greek, _píptō'_):** From G4098, meaning "to fall (literally or figuratively); fail, light on." This describes the physical collapse of Ananias, indicating a sudden and complete loss of life. It emphasizes the immediate and overwhelming nature of the divine judgment, leaving no doubt about its cause.
* **gave up the ghost (Greek, _ekpsýchō'_):** From G1634, meaning "to expire; give (yield) up the ghost." This is a direct and unambiguous term for dying, literally "breathing out the soul." It highlights the finality of the judgment and the cessation of life, a direct consequence of his deceit.
* **fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** From G5401, meaning "alarm or fright; be afraid, terror." Coupled with "great" (G3173, _mégas_), this describes a profound, overwhelming sense of dread and awe. It signifies not merely human terror but a holy, reverential fear in response to a direct manifestation of divine power and justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ananias hearing these words":** This clause establishes the immediate cause-and-effect. Ananias's death was not random but a direct consequence of Peter's Spirit-inspired words, which exposed his lie to God. The phrase "these words" refers specifically to Peter's confrontation in [Acts 5:3-4](/acts/5-3-4 "Acts 5:3-4 - Peter's Confrontation and Ananias's Sin"), where Ananias's deception and his lie to the Holy Spirit were laid bare.
* **"fell down, and gave up the ghost":** This describes the swift and fatal outcome. The physical collapse and immediate death are presented as a single, decisive act of divine judgment. This was a visible, undeniable sign of God's active presence and His intolerance for hypocrisy within His fledgling church, serving as a stark warning.
* **"and great fear came on all them that heard these things":** This clause details the profound impact of Ananias's death on the community. The "great fear" (Greek: _phobos megas_) signifies a deep sense of reverential awe, a holy dread that acknowledged God's power, holiness, and justice. This fear was not paralyzing terror but a recognition of divine authority, leading to a purification and strengthening of the early church's spiritual integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Acts 5:5 employs several potent literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is present as Ananias, seeking commendation for generosity, instead receives immediate divine judgment, revealing the true nature of his heart. The suddenness and severity of his death serve as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's absolute holiness and His intolerance for sin, particularly hypocrisy, within His covenant community. This event also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting a precedent for the purity and integrity expected within the early church, which is further reinforced by Sapphira's similar fate. The phrase "great fear" uses **Emphasis** to highlight the profound impact of the event, conveying not just terror but a deep, reverential awe, which is a key theme throughout Acts as the church grows in purity and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:5 stands as a stark reminder of God's unchanging character of holiness and justice. While dramatic, immediate physical judgments are not commonplace in the New Covenant era, this account powerfully communicates that God takes sin, especially deceit and hypocrisy within His church, with utmost seriousness. It underscores the divine nature of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that lying to the Spirit is lying to God Himself. This incident served to purify the early Christian community, establishing a clear boundary against internal corruption and reinforcing the importance of genuine faith and integrity over outward appearance. The "great fear" that ensued was a healthy, reverential awe, a proper response to encountering the living God, which ultimately fosters true worship and obedience.

* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire") – Illustrates God's immediate judgment on those who treat His holiness lightly.
* [Psalm 51:6](/psalms/51-6 "Psalm 51:6 - God Desires Truth in the Inward Being") – Emphasizes God's desire for truth and sincerity in the heart, contrasting with Ananias's deceit.
* [1 Corinthians 3:16-17](/1_corinthians/3-16-17 "1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - The Church as God's Temple") – Warns against defiling God's temple (the church), reinforcing the sanctity and purity God expects of His people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Ananias's death in Acts 5:5 is a sobering and profound narrative that calls believers to a deep examination of their hearts and motives. It reminds us that our walk with God is not merely an external performance but a matter of internal integrity and truthfulness. While we live under grace, the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God remain undiminished. This passage challenges us to cultivate genuine sincerity in our giving, our service, and our relationships within the church, recognizing that we are always before the all-knowing eyes of God. It encourages a healthy "fear of the Lord"—not a cowering terror, but a profound reverence and awe that inspires us to live in a manner worthy of His presence, ensuring that our outward actions truly reflect our inward devotion. This event helped to forge a community characterized by purity and authenticity, a standard that remains relevant for the church today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to present an outward appearance that doesn't match my inward reality or motives?**
* **How does the "fear of the Lord" described in this passage differ from mere human fear, and how can I cultivate more of this reverential awe in my daily life?**
* **What does Ananias's judgment teach us about the importance of truthfulness and integrity, not just in financial matters, but in all aspects of our Christian walk and church life?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ananias's punishment so severe, especially since it was "only" about money?**

Answer: Ananias's sin was not merely about money or withholding funds, as Peter explicitly states that the property was his to keep or sell, and the proceeds were his to use ([Acts 5:4](/acts/5-4 "Acts 5:4 - Peter's Confrontation with Ananias")). His sin was a deliberate act of deception and hypocrisy, a "lie to the Holy Spirit" and "to God" ([Acts 5:3-4](/acts/5-3-4 "Acts 5:3-4 - Ananias's Lie to God")). This occurred at a foundational moment for the early church, a time when its integrity, purity, and the authority of the Holy Spirit were being established. Such a severe, immediate judgment served as a powerful deterrent against internal corruption, protecting the nascent community from the leaven of hypocrisy that could have undermined its spiritual authenticity and mission. It underscored the absolute holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards truth within His covenant people, setting a clear precedent for the church's character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic judgment on Ananias in Acts 5:5, while seemingly harsh, deeply underscores the profound holiness of God and the gravity of sin, particularly deceit against the Holy Spirit. This event, far from being an arbitrary act, serves to highlight humanity's desperate need for a perfect mediator and a complete atonement. Ananias's death is a stark reminder of the wages of sin, which is death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")), and the fact that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood")). In Christ, we see the full measure of God's holiness satisfied, not through our death, but through His perfect sacrifice on the cross. The "great fear" that came upon the early church should lead us to a reverent awe of God that drives us to seek refuge in the one who perfectly fulfilled God's righteous demands. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the judgment for our hypocrisy and sin, offering His life so that we might have true life and integrity in Him. The purity God demanded of His early church, exemplified by the judgment on Ananias, is ultimately achieved for believers through the cleansing blood of Christ, who gave Himself to make the church holy and blameless before Him ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Thus, Ananias's judgment points us to the glorious grace and complete work of Christ, through whom we can approach a holy God with confidence, not based on our own flawed integrity, but on His perfect righteousness.

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 5:10

Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying [her] forth, buried [her] by her husband.

Acts 5:11

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Acts 2:43

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 5:13

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

Revelation 11:5

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

Revelation 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Leviticus 10:3

¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.