The Greek word nosphízomai, represented by G3557, means to sequestrate for oneself, often translated as to keep back or purloin. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The term describes an act of embezzling or secretly setting aside something for one's own gain, highlighting a clandestine form of dishonesty.
In the biblical narrative, G3557 is most notably used to describe the sin of Ananias. He and his wife kept back part of the money from a land sale while pretending to give the full amount Acts 5:2. The Apostle Peter directly confronts Ananias for this act, framing it as an attempt to lie to the Holy Ghost Acts 5:3. The word is also used in the pastoral epistles, where servants are instructed against purloining, setting a standard of complete honesty and faithfulness in their duties Titus 2:10.
Several related words help to clarify the meaning of G3557:
- G5574 pseúdomai (to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood): This is directly linked to the act of keeping something back, as Peter accuses Ananias of a plan to lie to the Holy Ghost Acts 5:3.
- G3361 mḗ (not): This particle of qualified negation is used to command against the action in Titus 2:10, emphasizing that purloining is forbidden ("Not purloining").
- G1731 endeíknymi (to indicate (by word or act)): In Titus 2:10, this word is presented as the direct opposite of purloining. Instead of taking what is not theirs, believers are to be shewing all good fidelity.
The theological weight of G3557 centers on integrity and the nature of sin against God.
- Sin Against the Holy Spirit: The account in Acts demonstrates that to keep back what was pledged to God is not merely a financial misstep but a deliberate lie to the Holy Ghost, an act of profound spiritual deception Acts 5:3.
- The Mark of True Fidelity: In Titus, the prohibition against purloining is contrasted with shewing all good fidelity G4102. This establishes that financial honesty is a critical component of a believer's witness, which serves to "adorn the doctrine of God" Titus 2:10.
- A Clandestine Act of the Heart: The act of purloining is shown to originate from a heart that Satan has filled G4137, revealing that such dishonesty is not just an external action but a reflection of a compromised spiritual condition Acts 5:3.
In summary, G3557 is a specific term for embezzlement or clandestine theft. Though used sparingly, its appearances in Scripture are significant, defining a sin that is both a tangible act of dishonesty and a spiritual lie against God. It stands in direct opposition to the fidelity and integrity that should characterize a believer, illustrating how personal conduct is directly tied to the honor of the Gospel.
TRV