Acts 8:21
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Original Language Analysis
μερὶς
part
G3310
μερὶς
part
Strong's:
G3310
Word #:
4 of 20
a portion, i.e., province, share or (abstractly) participation
κλῆρος
lot
G2819
κλῆρος
lot
Strong's:
G2819
Word #:
6 of 20
a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγῳ
matter
G3056
λόγῳ
matter
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
9 of 20
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καρδία
heart
G2588
καρδία
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
13 of 20
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
οὐκ
neither
G3756
οὐκ
neither
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
15 of 20
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
εὐθεῖα
right
G2117
εὐθεῖα
right
Strong's:
G2117
Word #:
17 of 20
straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once
Cross References
Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.John 21:17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.Revelation 22:19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.Psalms 36:1The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Revelation 20:6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.Joshua 22:25For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.Habakkuk 2:4Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.2 Chronicles 25:2And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.
Historical Context
The phrase 'part nor lot' echoes Old Testament covenant language (Deuteronomy 12:12, Joshua 22:25) indicating exclusion from covenant community. Peter discerned that Simon's baptism and profession were external only - his heart never changed.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we examine our hearts to ensure they are 'right in the sight of God'?
- What is the relationship between outward profession and inward heart reality?
- Why is heart transformation essential to genuine Christianity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter declares Simon has 'neither part nor lot in this matter' - excluding him from participation in apostolic ministry and implicitly from salvation itself. His heart is 'not right in the sight of God' - the decisive issue is internal heart condition, not external profession or baptism. Reformed theology emphasizes that God searches the heart (Jeremiah 17:10); outward religious actions mean nothing if the heart remains unregenerate. Simon's crooked heart sought to use God's gifts for self-exaltation rather than submitting to God's lordship.