Acts 4:34
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὑπῆρχον
was
G5225
ὑπῆρχον
was
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
5 of 20
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
αὐτοῖς·
them
G846
αὐτοῖς·
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἰκιῶν
houses
G3614
οἰκιῶν
houses
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
ὑπῆρχον
was
G5225
ὑπῆρχον
was
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
14 of 20
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
ἔφερον
and brought
G5342
ἔφερον
and brought
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
16 of 20
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τιμὰς
the prices
G5092
τιμὰς
the prices
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
18 of 20
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
Cross References
Acts 2:45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.Luke 16:9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.Luke 12:33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.Mark 10:21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.Matthew 19:21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.Deuteronomy 2:7For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.Luke 22:35And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.1 Timothy 6:19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Historical Context
Jerusalem's church faced unique pressures: diaspora converts remaining after Pentecost needed support, and persecution cost believers employment. This voluntary communalism addressed crisis while demonstrating supernatural love. Later, Paul's collection for Jerusalem poor (Romans 15:26) suggests this system required external support.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Spirit-produced generosity create communities where none lack?
- What distinguishes biblical voluntary sharing from political forced redistribution?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'neither was there any among them that lacked' fulfills Deuteronomy 15:4's ideal - 'there shall be no poor among you.' The Greek 'endeēs' (lack) indicates genuine need, not desire. This economic sharing wasn't mandated redistribution but Spirit-produced generosity. The next phrase explains: voluntary property sales funded need-based distribution. This modeled kingdom economics where stewardship replaces ownership.