Acts 5:8
And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 17
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὓτη
unto her
G846
αὓτη
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
5 of 17
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
τοσούτου
for so much
G5118
τοσούτου
for so much
Strong's:
G5118
Word #:
9 of 17
apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπέδοσθε
ye sold
G591
ἀπέδοσθε
ye sold
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
12 of 17
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
Historical Context
Ancient culture valued oaths and verbal commitments highly. Sapphira's deliberate 'yea' constituted binding testimony to falsehood before God and congregation. Peter's question followed judicial examination pattern, giving accused opportunity for truth before pronouncing judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Peter's direct questioning model appropriate pastoral confrontation of sin?
- What does Sapphira's maintained lie despite opportunity for truth reveal about hardened hearts?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter's direct question - 'Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much' - gave Sapphira clear opportunity to confess truth. The interrogative structure allowed yes/no response, removing ambiguity. Her answer 'Yea, for so much' repeated the lie, confirming conspiracy. The Greek 'nai' (yea) gave emphatic affirmation to known falsehood. Peter's question demonstrates pastoral confrontation's proper method: clear, specific, allowing confession. Her choice to maintain deception sealed judgment.