Acts 20:33
What does Acts 20:33 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:33 means
Paul insists he did not covet anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing. He distances himself from greedy motives that often discredit religious leaders. By refusing to exploit the flock, he protected the gospel’s honor and modeled contentment. Ministry that seeks gain from the sheep undermines trust; ministry that seeks the good of the sheep reflects Christ. This verse reminds leaders to guard their hearts from covetousness and to maintain visible financial integrity, so that their message is not compromised by suspicion and the church is freed to receive teaching without fear of manipulation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have had no desire for any man's silver or gold or clothing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`The silver or gold or garments of no one did I covet;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I have not coveted any man's silver, gold or apparel, as
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have coveted [the] silver or gold or clothing of no one.
Context
After commending the elders to God and His Word, Paul offers his own conduct as a tangible example. Verse 33 highlights what he refused—covetousness. Verse 34 will show how he worked to supply needs. Verse 35 will then draw a principle from Jesus’ teaching about giving. This sequence supplies practical markers of trustworthy leadership: freedom from greed, willingness to labor, and generosity aimed at helping the weak.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 7:2
Open your hearts to us: we wronged no man, we corrupted no man, we took advantage of no man.
- 2 Corinthians 11:9
and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
- Numbers 16:15
And Moses was very wroth, and said unto Jehovah, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
- 2 Corinthians 12:14
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
- 1 Peter 5:2
Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
- 1 Corinthians 9:12
If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
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