And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

ACTS 5:8KJV
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Acts 5:8 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:8 mean?

Acts 5:8 shows Peter questioning Sapphira about the price for which she and her husband sold a piece of land, and Sapphira confirming the amount. This exchange is part of a confrontation where Peter is testing whether Sapphira will tell the truth about the sale.

Peter is speaking directly to Sapphira, the wife of Ananias, after her husband had already lied about the proceeds from their land sale. The situation is tense: Peter asks her if the reported amount is correct, and she agrees, not knowing her husband has already faced consequences for lying. This moment highlights the seriousness of honesty in the early Christian community.

The Greek behind Acts 5:8

  • The word "ἀπέδοσθε" (apédosthe, "sold") is used for selling the land, emphasizing a completed transaction and the deliberate nature of their action.
  • The phrase "τοσούτου" (tosoutou, "so much") refers to a specific amount, showing Peter is asking about an exact figure, not just a general sale.
  • The word "ναί" (nai, "Yea") is a strong affirmation in Greek, indicating Sapphira is confidently confirming the amount, not hesitantly agreeing.

Why Acts 5:8 matters

  • Acts 5:8 clarifies that Sapphira was given a direct opportunity to tell the truth, making her responsible for her own answer.
  • The verse shows Peter’s careful approach, not accusing but asking, which underlines the fairness of the process before judgment.
  • This exchange connects to the wider story of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the importance of honesty and transparency in the early church.

Where else these words appear

“land” 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 4:34 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,

“much” Greek G5118 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
  • Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

“Yea” Greek G3483 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“sold” Greek G591 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
  • Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.