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,

ACTS 4:34KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 4:34 (KJV)

What does Acts 4:34 mean?

Acts 4:34 describes how, in the early days of the Christian community in Jerusalem, no one among the believers was in need because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to help others. The verse highlights the practical generosity and unity that marked the first followers of Jesus.

In the context of Acts, Luke is narrating what daily life looked like among the earliest Christians after Jesus’ resurrection. The apostles are leading the community, and the believers are sharing their resources freely. This verse shows that their commitment went beyond words—they took real, sacrificial steps to make sure everyone’s needs were met.

The Greek behind Acts 4:34

  • The word for "lacked" (ὑστερέω, hystereō) means to be in need or to fall short. Its use here emphasizes that there was not a single person among them who was missing basic necessities.
  • The word for "possessors" (κτήτωρ, ktētōr) refers to those who owned property. This highlights that the generosity came from people who had significant assets, not just small possessions.
  • The word for "prices" (τιμή, timē) means the value or worth of something. The verse points out that the full value of what was sold was brought, not just a portion.

Why Acts 4:34 matters

  • Acts 4:34 clears up any idea that early Christian sharing was only symbolic or partial; it shows concrete actions taken to care for every member.
  • This verse emphasizes the radical generosity and sense of responsibility the early church felt for one another, setting a tone for Christian community life.
  • Acts 4:34 connects to the wider passage by showing the practical outworking of the apostles’ teaching and the believers’ unity, which is a key theme in these early chapters of Acts.

Where else these words appear

“lands” Greek G5564 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
  • John 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
  • 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?

“sold” Greek G4097 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
  • Matthew 26:9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
  • Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

“them” Greek G4453 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
  • Mark 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
  • Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

“prices” Greek G5092 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
  • Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.