### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb νοσφίζομαι (nosphízomai), Strong's G3557, derives from a root suggesting "apart" or "clandestinely," and is consistently used in the middle voice. This grammatical construction is crucial, as it indicates an action performed *by oneself, for oneself*. The core meaning thus encapsulates the act of setting something apart secretly for one's own benefit, often by illicit means. Its semantic range includes to "appropriate secretly," "embezzle," "purloin," "pilfer," or "keep back" what rightfully belongs to another or to a collective. It implies a breach of trust or an act of dishonesty, where one surreptitiously diverts resources or possessions that should be shared, given, or are entrusted to one's care. The clandestine nature of the act is a key component, distinguishing it from overt theft.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word νοσφίζομαι appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning and theological implications.
1. **Acts 5:2-3**: This is the most prominent occurrence, detailing the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. Luke records that Ananias "kept back" (ἐνοσφίσατο) part of the proceeds from the sale of their property, with Sapphira's full knowledge. Peter confronts Ananias, stating, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back (νοσφίσασθαι) part of the proceeds of the land?" [[Acts 5:3]]. Here, the act of "keeping back" is not merely a financial misdeed, but a profound spiritual transgression. The land and its proceeds were their own to do with as they pleased before the sale; their sin lay in the deception and the pretense of full devotion while secretly appropriating a portion for themselves. This act of purloining from the communal fund, established by the Spirit-led generosity of the early church, was interpreted as lying to God Himself, a direct affront to the Holy Spirit. The severe judgment that followed underscores the gravity of hypocrisy, greed, and deception within the nascent Christian community, which was characterized by radical transparency and sharing.
2. **Titus 2:10**: In this pastoral epistle, Paul instructs Titus on the conduct expected of various groups within the church. Regarding slaves, he exhorts them "not to purloin (μὴ νοσφιζομένους), but to show all good fidelity, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior" [[Titus 2:10]]. Here, νοσφίζομαι refers to the illicit appropriation of their masters' property. It encompasses acts of petty theft, embezzlement, or secretly taking what is not theirs. The context emphasizes the importance of integrity and trustworthiness, even in a subservient social position. Christian slaves were to demonstrate unimpeachable honesty, not engaging in clandestine pilfering, thereby commending the gospel through their exemplary conduct. This application highlights the word's broader meaning of illicit appropriation in daily life, underscoring that Christian ethics demand honesty in all spheres, regardless of social standing.
In both contexts, the word denotes a secretive, dishonest appropriation of resources, often involving a breach of trust or an attempt to deceive.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept expressed by νοσφίζομαι resonates with several related Greek terms and theological ideas:
* **Theft and Deception:** While not a direct synonym for general "stealing" (κλέπτω, `{{G2813}}`), νοσφίζομαι often implies an element of theft, particularly one involving a breach of trust or a secret setting aside. It is closely linked to concepts of deception (δολόω, `{{G1382}}`) and defrauding (ἀποστερέω, `{{G650}}`), as the act of purloining usually involves misrepresentation or a lack of transparency.
* **Covetousness and Greed:** The underlying motivation for νοσφίζομαι is often covetousness (πλεονεξία, `{{G4124}}`) and greed. In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira's desire to retain wealth while appearing fully devoted to the community exemplifies this.
* **Stewardship and Trust:** The word stands in stark contrast to biblical principles of good stewardship and faithfulness. It represents a failure to exercise integrity in handling possessions, whether one's own in relation to God and community (Acts 5) or another's in a position of responsibility (Titus 2).
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira bears a striking conceptual resemblance to Achan's sin in the Old Testament, where he "took some of the devoted things" (מָעַל, `{{H4603}}`) after the fall of Jericho, bringing judgment upon Israel [[Joshua 7:1]]. Although different Hebrew words are used, both instances involve the illicit appropriation of resources designated for God or the community, leading to severe consequences.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of νοσφίζομαι is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the integrity of the church, and the demands of Christian discipleship.
1. **God's Holiness and Judgment of Hypocrisy:** The dramatic judgment on Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 reveals God's absolute intolerance for hypocrisy and deception within His covenant community. Their act of νοσφίζομαι was not merely a financial misstep but a "lying to the Holy Spirit" [[Acts 5:3]], a direct affront to God's presence and character. This event serves as a powerful warning that God demands truthfulness and authenticity from His people, especially in matters of worship and communal life. It underscores that spiritual vitality is predicated on genuine devotion, not outward performance masking inner deceit.
2. **Integrity and Witness:** In Titus 2, the prohibition against νοσφίζομαι for slaves elevates ordinary ethical conduct to a theological imperative. By demonstrating complete honesty and trustworthiness, even in challenging circumstances, believers "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior" [[Titus 2:10]]. This highlights that Christian ethics are not confined to "religious" spheres but permeate all aspects of life, serving as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel. Lack of integrity, conversely, brings disrepute to the name of Christ.
3. **Community and Generosity:** The context of Acts 5 emphasizes the early church's commitment to radical generosity and communal sharing, fueled by the Holy Spirit. The act of νοσφίζομαι directly undermined this Spirit-wrought unity and generous spirit, introducing a divisive element of self-interest and deceit. It underscores the importance of transparency and self-giving love as foundational to the health and purity of the Christian community.
4. **The Danger of Covetousness:** At its root, νοσφίζομαι often springs from covetousness, a desire to gain or retain material possessions illicitly. The biblical witness consistently warns against covetousness as a form of idolatry, setting one's affections on created things rather than the Creator.
### Summary
The Greek word νοσφίζομαι (G3557) signifies the act of secretly setting apart for oneself, to embezzle, or to purloin. Its usage in the New Testament provides critical insights into the ethical and spiritual demands of the Christian faith. In Acts 5, it describes Ananias and Sapphira's grave sin of deceiving the Holy Spirit by "keeping back" part of their property's sale price, leading to divine judgment that underscored God's intolerance for hypocrisy and dishonesty within the church. In Titus 2, it appears as an instruction for slaves not to "purloin" from their masters, emphasizing the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in all areas of life as a means of adorning the gospel. Together, these occurrences highlight that νοσφίζομαι represents a breach of trust, often driven by covetousness, and stands in opposition to the radical honesty, generosity, and faithfulness expected of believers. It serves as a potent reminder that our actions, even those done in secret, are known to God and have profound implications for our spiritual well-being and our witness to the world.
TRV