I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

ACTS 20:33KJV
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Acts 20:33 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:33 mean?

Acts 20:33 describes Paul telling his listeners that he has not desired or tried to take anyone’s money or possessions—specifically, their silver, gold, or clothing. Paul is making it clear that he did not seek personal gain from the people he served.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, reminding them of his example as he prepares to leave them. In the context, Paul wants them to remember that his motives were pure and that he did not use his position to enrich himself. This statement helps set the tone for his instructions about caring for others and being on guard against those who might exploit the church.

The Greek behind Acts 20:33

  • "coveted" (ἐπεθύμησα, epethymēsa): This Greek word means to strongly desire or long for something, often with a sense of greed or inappropriate longing. Paul’s use of this word emphasizes that he never had a greedy attitude toward the possessions of others.
  • "silver" (ἀργύριον, argyrion): This word refers to money, specifically silver coins, which were a common form of currency. Paul singles out money to show he did not seek financial benefit.
  • "gold" (χρυσίον, chrysion): This word means gold, another symbol of wealth. By naming both silver and gold, Paul covers all forms of valuable currency.
  • "apparel" (ἱμάτιον, himation): This word refers to clothing, which in the ancient world was also a sign of wealth and status. Paul’s mention of clothing shows he did not even desire the outward symbols of prosperity.

Why Acts 20:33 matters

  • Acts 20:33 clears up any suspicion that Paul might have used his ministry for personal enrichment, which was a common accusation against religious leaders in the ancient world.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s integrity and sets a practical example for church leaders, showing that genuine service is not about gaining wealth or material benefits.
  • This statement connects to Paul’s broader message in Acts 20, where he urges the elders to care for the church selflessly and to be alert for those who might exploit others for personal gain.

Where else these words appear

“apparel” Greek G2441 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
  • John 19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

“gold” Greek G5553 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
  • 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
  • Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

“coveted” Greek G1937 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
  • 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

“silver” Greek G694 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
  • Matthew 27:9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
  • Luke 19:23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?