Acts 5:6
What does Acts 5:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:6 means
Younger men of the community rise, wrap Ananias’s body, carry him out, and bury him. Their prompt and orderly response shows practical reverence and respect for the gravity of what has occurred. It also preserves the congregation from defilement and confusion. The verse moves the narrative forward without sensationalism; there is no spectacle, only sober action. The church accepts God’s judgment and continues to function appropriately. The quiet efficiency of these unnamed servants contrasts with the dramatic nature of the death, reminding readers that faithful, discreet service often sustains the community in moments of crisis and maintains focus on God’s holiness and order.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the young men went and made ready his body, and took it out, and put it in the earth.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having risen, the younger men wound him up, and having carried forth, they buried <FI>him<Fi> .
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the young men rising up, removed him, and carrying him out, buried him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the young men, rising up, swathed him up for burial, and having carried him out, buried him.
Context
This action follows immediately upon Ananias’s death and the fear that fell on all who heard. The burial serves as a tangible closure to the first half of the episode, preparing for Sapphira’s entrance. The narrative’s pacing—death, removal, burial—leaves no doubt about the finality and reality of the judgment. Next, Sapphira will arrive unaware, allowing the sin to be addressed independently in her case. The flow underscores individual responsibility and shows that the matter is not resolved merely by removing one person; truth must be established in each participant. The community’s integrity remains the central concern.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Samuel 18:17
And they took Absalom, and cast him into the great pit in the forest, and raised over him a very great heap of stones: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.
- John 19:40
So they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
- Deuteronomy 21:23
his body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt surely bury him the same day; for he that is hanged is accursed of God; that thou defile not thy land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
- Leviticus 10:4
And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Draw near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.
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