### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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