Preface: The first portion of this chapter is devoted to Ananias and Sapphira, who attempt to gain notoriety among the believers in Jerusalem by giving sacrificially. They sold some land and pretended that all of the proceeds went towards a gift to the struggling church in Jerusalem (which they were a part of). However, they quietly keep back some of the money and, as a result, suffer the sin unto death.

The Apostles continue to perform many signs and miracles in public, and people regularly brought their sick them. Subsequently, the Apostles are arrested and placed into prison. However, an angel comes and lets them out. When they were found by the religious hierarchy to be back on the outside teaching and proclaiming Jesus, they got the Apostles to come of their own free will to speak before the Sanhedrin.

The men of the sanhedrin became furious with some of the things that Peter said to them. A Pharisee named Gamaliel speaks to the council after the disciples had been removed from the proceedings. His excellent advice was, if this is a cult, then let it die out naturally. If this is of God, then they will not succeed in wiping them out. The council half follows Gamaliel’s advice. They beat the disciples and tell them to stop speaking about Jesus. Then they release the Apostles. The Apostles continue to teach and proclaim Jesus at the Temple and in the local churches (they began to meet in houses).

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 5 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 29, 2022.

Bible Summary: Ananias and Sapphira told a lie and fell dead. An angel released the apostles from prison. Gamaliel advised, "Leave these men alone." 

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 5 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022).

Time and Place as per Modern Literal Version 2020:

Late 30 AD - 36 AD Temple at Jerusalem.

Outline of Chapter 5:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–11         Ananias and Sapphira Both Die the Sin unto Death

         vv.    12–16         The Apostles in Jerusalem—Signs and Wonders

         vv.    17–26         The Apostles in Jerusalem—the Apostles are Arrested but an Angel Releases Them

         vv.    27–32         The Apostles in Jerusalem—the Apostles Speak Voluntarily before the Sanhedrin

         vv.    33–39         The Apostles in Jerusalem—Gamaliel’s Advice to the Sanhedrin

         vv.    40–42         The Apostles in Jerusalem—the Apostles are Beaten and Released

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 5 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 5 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 5 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 5

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 5

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 5

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 5

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 5

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 5 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 5 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 4–9)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 5 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 5

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 5

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Short Explanation of Numeric (David Eells)

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 5:1 (from the Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          The Doctrine of Giving (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Lying to the Holy Spirit (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          The Deity of the Holy Spirit (R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 5:1–6

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 5:7–11

         Addendum          The Doctrine of Healing (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 5:12–16

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 5:17 (from the Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 5:17–21

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 5:21–25

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 5:26–28

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 5:29–32

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 5:34 (from the Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 5:33–37

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 5:38–42

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         Addendum          Josephus’ History of this Time Period

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 5

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 5

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 5

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 5

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An Introduction to Acts 5

I ntroduction: There are three main sections in Acts 5: (1) the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira (which is properly a continuation from the previous chapter (vv. 1–11); (2) proclaiming Jesus in the Temple courtyard and performing signs and wonders there (vv. 12–16); and (3) the Apostles before the Sanhedrin (they are actually taken before the Sanhedrin twice in this chapter) (vv. 21–42).

One of the things which really stands out is the address of Gamaliel, a pharisee and teacher of the Law.

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Ananias and Sapphira Both Die the Sin unto Death

The chapter division between chapters 4 and 5 is unfortunate. Acts 5 is really a continuation from the last section of Acts 4. The believers in the Jerusalem church kept on being of one mind and one soul. Not a single person spoke of his possessions as being his alone. Instead, they were willing to share their possessions. The Apostles continue to present their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. All of them enjoy great grace being poured out upon them. None of the believers in Jerusalem suffered serious need, despite the persecutions and economic leverage exercised by the religious leaders and their followers. Whenever necessary, a person who owned a bit or land or a building would sell it and bring the proceeds to the Apostles. The Apostles would then distribute the money to whomever had need. One of the disciples there, named Joseph—but nicknamed Barnabas by the Apostles (Barnabas means a son of encouragement) was a Levite by lineage and a Cyprian by birth. Motivated by the poverty of some believers in Jerusalem, Barnabas sold some land which he owned. He brought the money from the sale of this property to the Apostles and laid it at their feet. (Acts 4:32–37; Kukis paraphrase)

See Acts 4 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD) for the complete exegesis of this section.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    But a man, a certain Ananias by name with Sapphira, the woman of his, had sold a property and he kept back from the price, having known also [the] wife; and having brought a portion, a certain [amount]. By the feet of the Apostles he placed [it].

Complete Apostles’ Bible      But a certain man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

And he kept back for himself from the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and placed it beside the feet of the apostles.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) But a certain man named Ananias, with Saphira his wife, sold a piece of land,

And by fraud kept back part of the price of the land, his wife being privy thereunto: and bringing a certain part of it, laid it at the feet of the apostles.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        ...and one man whose name was KhananYa {Ananias}, with his wife whose name was Shaphira {Sapphira/Beautiful}, had sold a field,

and took away from its price, and hid it, while his wife was aware with regard to it. And he brought some from the silver, and set it before the feet of The Shlikhe {The Sent Ones}.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And a certain man whose name was Ananias, with his wife whose name was Sapphira, sold his field, 

and carried away part of the price and concealed it, his wife consenting; and he brought a part of the money, and laid it before the feet of the legates.

Original Aramaic NT              One man whose name was Khanan-Yah, with his wife, whose name was Shappira, had sold his field.

And he took some of its price and concealed it while his wife was aware of it, and he brought some of the money and placed it before the Apostles' feet.

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, got money for his property, 

And kept back part of the price, his wife having knowledge of it, and took the rest and put it at the feet of the Apostles.

Bible in Worldwide English     A man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, sold a field. He brought some of the money to the apostles. But he kept the rest of it. His wife knew what he had done.

Easy English                          Ananias and Sapphira

But there was a man called Ananias among the group of believers. His wife was called Sapphira. Together they sold one of their fields. Ananias gave part of the money that he received to the apostles. But he kept part of the money for himself. Sapphira knew all about what Ananias had done.

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  There was a man named Ananias. His wife's name was Sapphira. Ananias sold some land he had, but he gave only part of the money to the apostles. He secretly kept some of the money for himself. His wife knew this, and she agreed with it.

God’s Word™                         A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold some property.  They agreed to hold back some of the money they had pledged and turned only part of it over to the apostles.

Good News Bible (TEV)         But there was a man named Ananias, who with his wife Sapphira sold some property that belonged to them.  But with his wife's agreement he kept part of the money for himself and turned the rest over to the apostles.

J. B. Phillips                           But there was a man named Ananias who, with this wife Sapphira had sold a piece of property, but with her full knowledge, reserved part of the price for himself. He brought the remainder to put at the apostles’ disposal.

The Message                         Ananias and Sapphira

But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it.

NIRV                                      Ananias and Sapphira

A man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, also sold some land. 2 He kept part of the money for himself. Sapphira knew he had kept it. He brought the rest of it and put it down at the apostles’ feet.

New Life Version                    The Sin of Ananias and Sapphira

A man by the name of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, sold some land. 2 He kept back part of the money for himself. His wife knew it also. The other part he took to the missionaries.

New Simplified Bible              But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. They kept back part of the money. His wife was also knowledgeable of the transaction. They brought part of the funds to the apostles.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 5

NOT-SO-DO-GOODERS DROP DEAD

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA GIVE AN OFFERING

A man and wife, Ananias and Sapphira, sold a field they owned. They kept part of the money they got. Ananias took the rest and put it at the feet of the apostles, as a donation. His wife didn’t go with him, but she knew what he was doing.

Contemporary English V.       Ananias and his wife Sapphira also sold a piece of property.  But they agreed to cheat and keep some of the money for themselves. So when Ananias took the rest of the money to the apostles,...

Goodspeed New Testament  But a man named Ananias, who, with his wife Sapphira, had sold a piece of property, with his wife's connivance appropriated some of the price received, and brought only a part of it to put at the disposal of the apostles.

The Living Bible                     But there was a man named Ananias (with his wife Sapphira) who sold some property and brought only part of the money, claiming it was the full price. (His wife had agreed to this deception.)

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           Ananias and Sapphira

But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.

The Passion Translation        Now, a man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, likewise sold their farm.  They conspired to secretly keep back for themselves a portion of the proceeds. So when Ananias brought the money to the apostles, it was only a portion of the entire sale.

Plain English Version             A man and his wife tried to trick the Holy Spirit

There was a man called Ananias, and his wife was called Safira. They sold some land too, but they kept some of the money for themselves. Ananias only gave some of it to Peter and to Jesus’s other special workers, for them to share it with the other Christians. Ananias lied to them. He said, “This is all the money we got for our land.” His wife knew what he was doing, and she agreed to it.

Radiant New Testament        Ananias and Sapphira

But when a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold their land, they decided to keep part of the money for themselves. Ananias brought the rest of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Now there was one of the believers whose name was Ananias, and whose wife's name was Sapphira. He also sold some land. He kept for himself some of the money he had received for the land, and his wife knew that he had done that. Then he brought the rest of the money and presented it to the apostles.

Williams’ New Testament      But a man named Ananias, in partnership with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and, with his wife's full knowledge of it, kept back for themselves a part of the money and brought only a part of it and put it at the disposal of the apostles.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          However, a man named AnaNias (along with his wife SapPhira) also sold some property that they owned, but he secretly kept part of the money… And his wife knew about this.

Then he brought in part of it and laid it at the feet of the Apostles.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            A certain man with the name Ananias together with Sapphira (his wife) sold property and secretly kept some out of the price for himself, the wife also having come to realize it. And after bringing a certain part of it, he placed it alongside the missionaries' feet.

Common English Bible           Pretenders of sharing

However, a man named Ananias, along with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. With his wife’s knowledge, he withheld some of the proceeds from the sale. He brought the rest and placed it in the care and under the authority of the apostles.

Len Gane Paraphrase           A certain man named Ananias along with his wife, Sapphire, sold some property but kept some of the money; his wife also know about this. He brought part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles But a certain man, named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold an estate, and secreted a part of the price, his wife also, being privy to it: and bringing a certain part, he laid it down at the feet of the Apostles.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       But there was a man called Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, sold an estate, and kept back some of the money, with his wife’s knowledge, only bringing a part of it to lay at the feet of the apostles.

NT for Everyone                     Disaster

There was, however, a man named Ananias, married to a woman called Sapphira. He sold some property, and, with his wife’s knowledge, kept back part of the price. He brought the rest and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

20^th Century New Testament There was, however, a man named Ananias, who, with his wife Sapphira, sold some property, And, with her connivance, kept back some of the proceeds. He brought only a part and laid it at the Apostles' feet.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Christian Standard Bible        Lying to the Holy Spirit

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Conservapedia Translation    Then a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold something they owned, but they deceitfully kept some of the profit, while bringing the rest and giving it to the apostles.

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                Ananias and Sapphira.

Then a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphire, sold an estate, and he deducted part of the price, with the knowledge of his wife; and, bringing a part, presented it at the feet of the apostles.

Free Bible Version                 Now a man called Ananias, who with his wife Sapphira, sold some property.

He kept back some of the money he received for himself, and brought the rest to present to the apostles. His wife knew what he was doing.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           A certain man named Ananias with Saphira his wife sold a possession, and kept away part of the price (his wife also being of counsel) and brought a certain part, and laid it down at the Apostles feet.

International Standard V        Ananias and Sapphira are Punished

But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold some property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back some of the money for himself and brought the remainder and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Montgomery NT                     But a man named Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, sold a farm of his, kept back some of the purchase price, with the connivance of his wife. He brought only a part and laid it at the apostles' feet.

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    Now a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property, and he kept back part of the sale money (his wife also knew it), and brought a certain portion of it and laid it at the feet of the apostles.

Urim-Thummim Version         But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his woman, sold a property and set apart a portion of the value, his woman also having knowledge of it, and brought a certain portion and laid it at the Apostles' feet.

Weymouth New Testament    There was a man of the name of Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, sold some property but, with her full knowledge and consent, dishonestly kept back part of the price which he received for it, though he brought the rest and gave it to the Apostles.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     The fraud of Ananias and Sapphira

• Another man named Ananias, in agreement with his wife Sapphira, likewise sold a piece of land; with his wife’s knowledge he put aside some of the proceeds, and the rest he turned over to the apostles.

The extensive footnote is placed in the Addendum.

The Heritage Bible                          And a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold an acquisition,

And hid for themselves from the value, and his wife was aware of it with him, and bringing a certain part, placed it alongside of the feet of the apostles.

New American Bible (2011)   Ananias and Sapphira.*

A man named Ananias, however, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. He retained for himself, with his wife’s knowledge, some of the purchase price, took the remainder, and put it at the feet of the apostles.

* [5:1–11] The sin of Ananias and Sapphira did not consist in the withholding of part of the money but in their deception of the community. Their deaths are ascribed to a lie to the holy Spirit (Acts 5:3, 9), i.e., they accepted the honor accorded them by the community for their generosity, but in reality they were not deserving of it.

New Catholic Bible                 The Fraud of Ananias and Sapphira.^[a] There was a man named Ananias who with his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property. 2 With the approval of his wife, he held back some of the proceeds, and he brought the remainder to the apostles and laid it at their feet.

[a] The sharing of goods is voluntary, but gold has a fascinating power. A couple lies to the community, contrary to the life of the Spirit. They violate the life of the community and undermine it. In the Old Testament (Jos 7:1), such people were to be put to death. Paul would have harsh words on the problem of riches and neglect of the poor when the Christians of Corinth later failed to respect the assembly, the Body of Christ.

New Jerusalem Bible             There was also a man called Ananias. He and his wife, Sapphira, agreed to sell a property; but with his wife's connivance he kept back part of the price and brought the rest and presented it to the apostles.

Revised English Bible–1989   But a man called Ananias sold a property, and with the connivance of his wife Sapphira kept back some of the proceeds, and brought part only to lay at the apostles' feet.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           But there was a man named Hananyah who, with his wife Shappirah, sold some property and, with his wife’s knowledge, withheld some of the proceeds for himself; although he did bring the rest to the emissaries.

Hebraic Roots Bible               But a certain man named Khananyah, with his wife Sapphira, sold a property, and kept back from the price, his wife also aware of it, and bringing a certain part, he put it at the feet of the apostles.

Hebrew Names Version         But a certain man named Hananiah, with Shappirah, his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the emissaries’ feet.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    There was a man named Ananias. His wife’s name was Sapphira. Ananias sold some land which he had and, from the sale, he gave some of the money to the delegates. But he kept back part of the money for himself. His wife knew this.

The Scriptures 2009              But a certain man named ananyah, with Shappirah his wife, sold a possession. 

And he kept back from the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the feet of the emissaries.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...Man but Someone Ananias [by] name with sapphira the woman [of] him sells acquisition and [He] withholds {something} from the payment having known {it} and the woman and Carrying portion something against the feet [of] the delegates [He] places {it}...

Awful Scroll Bible                   But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sells a property,

and sets apart for himself of the value, his wife even having together-perceived, and bringing a certain portion, he lays it down at the sent-out ones' feet.

Concordant Literal Version    Now a certain man named Ananias, together with Sapphira, his wife, sells an acquisition"

and embezzles from the price (his wife also having been conscious of it) and, bringing a certain part, he places it at the feet of the apostles."

exeGeses companion Bible   HANAN YAH AND SAPPHIRA LIE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

But a man named Hanan Yah,

with Sapphira his woman, sell a possession;

and keep back of the price

- his woman also being aware;

and brings a part

and places it at the feet of the apostles.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           And a certain man by the name Chananyah, with his wife Shappira, sold property

And he, with his wife in collusion as to da'as, misappropriated from the price, and having brought a certain part, laid it at the feet of the Moshiach's Shlichim. [YEHOSHUA 7:11]

Rotherham’s Emphasized B.                                      § 8. Ananias and Sapphira.

Chapter 5.

But <a certain manˎ Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife> sold a possession. and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privyʹ to it; and ||bringing a certain part|| |at the feet of the Apostles| he laid it.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s full knowledge [and complicity] he kept back some of the proceeds, bringing only a ^[a]portion of it, and set it at the apostles’ feet.

[a] Ananias wanted everyone to think that he had turned over all the money from the sale, so secretly holding some back was essentially embezzling. If he had been honest and told Peter that he had kept some of the money, he would have done nothing wrong.

An Understandable Version   Now a certain married couple named Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and brought [only] a part of the selling price and gave it to the apostles; but the man and his wife had kept this a secret.

The Expanded Bible              Ananias and Sapphira Die

But a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold ·some land [a piece of property]. He ·kept back [pilfered; skimmed off] part of the ·money [proceeds; price] for himself; his wife knew about this and agreed to it. But he brought the rest of the money and ·gave it to [^L laid it at the feet of] the apostles.

Jonathan Mitchell NT             However, a certain adult man – Ananias by name – together with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession

and he secretly put aside (kept back funds; embezzled) for himself from the proceeds (the price received for its value) – [his] wife having seen [it] with [him] and thus also knowing [about it] – and then bringing a certain part [of it], he placed [it] beside the feet (= deposited it for the disposal) of the sent-forth folks.

Syndein/Thieme                     But a certain man named Ananias {pronounced Ann-a-neigh- us}, with Sapphira {pronounced Sa-fi-ra - Aramaic for 'Most Beautiful'} his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price . . . his wife also being privy to it {she was in on the deception}, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

{Note in background: Ananias apparently was the wealthy benefactor of the church in Jerusalem. We can gather that people were talking all about Barnabas and his generous gift and stopped giving these two the attention they craved (approbation lust). So they came up with a scheme to match the deed - but they wanted to keep some of the money. So we can deduce that Ananias brought the money to Peter and laid it at his feet and 'said' something to Peter like 'we have sold this property and here is the money, implying it is ALL the money when it was not! It was theirs to give or not give, but NOT their right to lie!}

Translation for Translators      Ananias pretended to give the apostles all the money from selling a field.

Acts 5:1-2

But there was one of the believers whose name was Ananias, and whose wife’s name was Sapphira. He also sold some land. He kept for himself some of the money he had received for the land, and his wife knew that he had done that. Then he brought the rest of the money and presented it to the apostles [MTY].

The Voice                               Once a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira fully cooperating, committed fraud. He sold some property and kept some of the proceeds, but he pretended to make a full donation to the Lord’s emissaries. [Literally, apostles]

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Ananias and Sapphira Lie to the Holy Spirit

Now a certain man named [Literally “by name”] Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

and he kept back for himself some of the proceeds, and his [*Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun] wife was aware of it . [*Here the participle “was aware of” in this genitive absolute construction has been translated as a finite verb in keeping with English style] And he brought a certain part and [*Here “and ” is supplied because the previous participle (“brought”) has been translated as a finite verb] placed it [*Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation] at the feet of the apostles.

NET Bible®                             The Judgment on Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property. He¹ kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge; he brought² only part of it and placed it at the apostles’ feet.

^1tn Grk “And he.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence and the tendency of contemporary English style to use shorter sentences, καί (kai) has not been translated here.

^2tn The participle ἐνέγκας (enenka") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

The Spoken English NT         A Couple Lies about a Gift of Land-And Both Die Suddenly
Now a certain man named Ananias,^a together with his wife Sapphira,^b also sold some property.

And he secretly held back the money for himself-and his wife was in on it.^c And he brought part of the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles.

^a.Prn. ann-a-nye-us.

^b.Prn. saff-eye-ra.

^c.Or “And with the connivance of his wife, he embezzled some of the proceeds.”

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Ananias and Sapphira
Now a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession and kept back part of the price for himself, his wife also being party to it; bringing a certain part he placed it at the Apostles’ feet.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Analytical-Literal Translation  But a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property, and kept back [part] of the proceeds for himself, his wife also having become aware of [it], and having brought a certain part, he placed [it] at the feet of the apostles.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       But a certain man named Ananias with his wife, Sapphira, sold a parcel of land,

And misrepresented [financial fraud] part of the purchasing price [low-balled the sales price as part of an income tax fraud scheme], his wife also being implicated, and having brought a certain part [portion of the proceeds], he placed it at the feet of the apostles .

Context Group Version          But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his woman, sold a possession, and kept back [part] of the price, his woman also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the emissaries' feet.

Modern Literal Version 2020  {Late 30 AD - 36 AD Temple at Jerusalem.}

But a certain man, Ananias by name, together-with his wife Sapphira, sold a property, and pilfered part for themselves from the price, his wife also having been conscious of it, and brought a certain part, placed it beside the apostles’ feet.

New American Standard B.    Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the proceeds [Lit price] for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge [Or collusion], and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.

New Matthew Bible                A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold some property, and kept back part of the money (his wife also knowing of it), and brought a certain part and laid it down at the apostles’ feet.

Niobi Study Bible                   Lying to the Holy Spirit

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Numeric English NT               But a certain man, Hananias by name, with Sappheira his *wife, sold a possession,  and withheld part of the price, the wife also aware thereof, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the feet of the apostles.

Revised Geneva Translation  But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a possession,

and embezzled part of the price (his wife also being aware of it) and brought a certain part and laid it down at the Apostles’ feet.

The gist of this passage:     A couple, Ananias and Sapphira, both sold a plot of land, and then brought a portion of their profits to the Apostles (as if this were all of their profits).

1-2

Translation: But a certain man by the name of Ananias, along with his wife, Sapphira,...

There is a husband and wife, Ananias and Sapphira. They are about to do something wrong which they are both in on.

This first section of Acts 5 speaks to personal motivation and honesty.

Translation: ...sold a property,...

This is a husband and wife who are a part of the church in Jerusalem. They are both believers. They sell a property.

This is a singular verb, referring back to the husband; but both husband and wife are aware of this situation.

Acts 5:1 But a certain man by the name of Ananias, along with his wife, Sapphira, sold a property,...

Translation: ...but he kept back [a portion] of the proceeds,...

Ananias keeps back a portion of the proceeds from the sale. Now, this is his property, and he is free to keep it, dispose of it, or do whatever he wants to do with it. So, the fact that he sells it and keeps all or part of the proceeds is not the issue.

Translation: ...the wife also having known this.

His wife is fully aware of what is taking place, and she is onboard with it.

What is going to happen is, he is going to bring this money to the Apostles (not all of it) and lay it at their feet as if he is donating the entire proceeds from the sale of this property. They will do this motivated by approbation. They want the people in the church to think well of them and perhaps even praise them a little bit.

Just so that there is no misunderstanding, this family is not obligated to give anything. They could keep the property, sell the property, keep some of the proceeds and give the rest to the church; or they could keep all of the proceeds from the sale. This property belongs to them. The problem is, they will misrepresent to the Apostles and to the church that they are giving everything when they are giving only a portion of their sale price.

Acts 5:1–2b But a certain man by the name of Ananias, along with his wife, Sapphira, sold a property, but he kept back [a portion] of the proceeds, the wife also having known this. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: He brought a certain portion [from the sale]...

The husband brings a portion from the sale to the Apostles as a gift.

The problem here is, he is going to try to appear as if he is giving all of the proceeds from selling this property, but he is not. They held some money back, and both husband and wife are aware of this.

Again, it is legitimate for them to hold back some of the monies from the sale; just as long as they do not represent to the believers in their church what they are doing.

Translation: ...and placed [it] at the feet of the Apostles.

They bring this money and place it at the feet of the Apostles.

We are still in Jerusalem and the situation there for believers is rather difficult. Some of them are being ostracized for believing in Jesus.

This new movement, the followers of Jesus, is not accepted by many of the Jews in Jerusalem.

Acts 5:2c-d He brought a certain portion [from the sale] and placed [it] at the feet of the Apostles. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Acts 5:1–2 But a certain man by the name of Ananias, along with his wife, Sapphira, sold a property, but he kept back [a portion] of the proceeds, the wife also having known this. He brought a certain portion [from the sale] and placed [it] at the feet of the Apostles. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Acts 5:1–2 A man and his wife—Ananias and Sapphira—sold one of their properties, but quietly held back a portion of the proceeds from the sale. He brought a portion of the proceeds of the sale and placed it at the feet of the Apostles, as if he had given them the entire amount. (Kukis paraphrase)

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Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    But said the Peter, “Ananias, through whom filled the Santanas the heart of you to lie to you the Spirit the Holy and to hold back from the price of the place. Not remaining to you, it was remaining; and selling in the authority yours it was. Why that you set forth in the heart of yours the deed this—you have not lied to men but to God.”

Complete Apostles Bible        But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit, and for you to keep back for yourself from the price of the land?

While it remained unsold, did it not remain yours? And after it was sold, was it not in your control? Why have you purposed this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) But Peter said: Ananias, why hath Satan tempted thy heart, that thou shouldst lie to the Holy Ghost and by fraud keep part of the price of the land?

Whilst it remained, did it not remain to thee? And after it was sold, was it not in thy power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart? Thou hast not lied to men, but to God.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And Shimeun {Simeon} said unto him, “KhananYa {Ananias}, how is this thing which satana has filled your heart, that you would lie to The Rukha d’Qudsha {The Spirit of Holiness}, and would hide from the silver of the price of the field?

Was it not your own before it was to be sold? And once sold, you again had authority concerning the price. Why did you put it in your heart that this thing would be done? You didn’t lie to the sons of men, but rather, to Alaha {God}!”

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And Simon said to him: Ananias, why hath Satan so filled thy heart, that thou shouldst lie against the Holy Spirit, and conceal of the money of the price of the field? 

Was it not thine own before it was sold? And when sold, again thou hadst authority over the price of it. Why hast thou set thy heart to do this purpose? Thou hast not lied against men, but against God.

Original Aramaic NT              And Shimeon said to Khanan-Yah, "Why has Satan filled your heart to cheat The Spirit of Holiness and to hide some money of the proceeds of the field?"

Was it not yours until it was sold? And after it was sold, again you had power over its proceeds. Why have you set your heart to do this thing? You have not cheated men but God."

Significant differences: