Devine Scripture

Acts 5:8

What does Acts 5:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 5:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 5:8 means

Peter asks Sapphira directly whether they sold the land for a stated amount. She confirms the false figure, thereby aligning herself with the deceit. Peter’s approach is pastoral and judicial—he does not assume guilt but provides a clear opportunity to tell the truth. Her reply shows willful participation, not mere complicity by silence. The verse illustrates that words spoken before God carry weight, especially when they touch the life of the church. A simple truth could have broken the scheme, but Sapphira chooses the path of appearance over honesty. Her answer seals the case and reveals the shared intent to deceive the apostles and the community.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Peter said to her, Give me an answer: was this amount of money the price of the land? And she said, Yes, it was.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Peter answered her, `Tell me if for so much ye sold the place;' and she said, `Yes, for so much.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Peter said to her: Tell me, woman, whether you sold the land for so much? And she said: Yea, for so much.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Peter answered her, Tell me if ye gave the estate for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much.

Context

Following her entrance, Peter tests Sapphira’s integrity with a straightforward question. This maintains procedural clarity and fairness. Her confirmation exposes a united front in falsehood. The next verse delivers Peter’s verdict, moving from examination to pronouncement of judgment. The rhythm of inquiry, answer, and consequence mirrors the treatment of Ananias, reinforcing that God’s standards do not change with gender or status. The context prepares the reader for the immediacy of divine judgment and its sobering effect on all present, as the pattern set in the first half of the episode continues to its parallel conclusion.

v.7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

v.8This passage

v.9But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 5:2

    and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

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