Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

ACTS 8:21KJV
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Acts 8:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 8:21 mean?

In Acts 8:21, Peter tells Simon that he has no share in the matter Simon wants to enter. Peter gives the reason: God sees that Simon’s heart is not right. Peter’s answer addresses Simon’s desire to gain a power he has just offered money to obtain.

“Part nor lot” is a way of denying Simon any share in what he seeks. The phrase “in the sight of God” places the judgment on what God sees, rather than on Simon’s outward offer alone.

The Greek behind Acts 8:21

  • “lot” — κλῆρος (klēros): A share or portion, sometimes assigned by casting lots. Here the word reinforces “part” by speaking of an allotted share.
  • “matter” — λόγος (logos): A word that can refer to speech, a message, or a matter. Here the KJV uses “matter” for what Peter is discussing with Simon.
  • “right” — εὐθύς (euthys): Straight or upright. The word gives Peter’s description of Simon’s heart the sense of being out of line before God.

Why Acts 8:21 matters

  • Peter’s answer concerns the gift of the Holy Spirit, not a power for sale. In verses 18–20, Simon offers money after seeing that people receive the Holy Spirit when the apostles place their hands on them.
  • Peter also calls Simon to change his mind and pray. In verse 22, Peter tells him to repent of his wickedness and ask God for forgiveness, connecting the action with the “thought of thine heart.”

Where else these words appear

“part” Greek G3310 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
  • Acts 16:12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

“lot” Greek G2819 · used in 11 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.
  • 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.
  • Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

“right” Greek G2117 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
  • John 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

“this” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.