Acts 5:3
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Original Language Analysis
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 24
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἐπλήρωσεν
filled
G4137
ἐπλήρωσεν
filled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
6 of 24
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίαν
heart
G2588
καρδίαν
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
10 of 24
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
ψεύσασθαί
to lie
G5574
ψεύσασθαί
to lie
Strong's:
G5574
Word #:
12 of 24
to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
15 of 24
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
to the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
to the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
17 of 24
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νοσφίσασθαι
to keep back
G3557
νοσφίσασθαι
to keep back
Strong's:
G3557
Word #:
19 of 24
to sequestrate for oneself, i.e., embezzle
ἀπὸ
part of
G575
ἀπὸ
part of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
20 of 24
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τιμῆς
the price
G5092
τιμῆς
the price
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
22 of 24
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
Jeremiah 23:24Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.Isaiah 29:15Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?Acts 5:9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.John 13:27And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:James 4:7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.Acts 5:2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.Acts 5:4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.Job 22:13And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?
Historical Context
This incident occurred in the Jerusalem church's early phase when radical generosity was common. Ananias and Sapphira's deception was particularly egregious because they pretended complete devotion while holding back, seeking reputation without sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Satan exploit religious pretense to deceive believers today?
- What does this passage teach about the Holy Spirit's nature and the seriousness of sin against Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter's penetrating question reveals that Ananias' sin originated in satanic influence ('why hath Satan filled thine heart'), yet holds him accountable for yielding to it. The specific sin of lying 'to the Holy Spirit' identifies the Spirit's deity—lying to Him equals lying to God (v. 4). This establishes the Spirit's personhood and divine nature.