Acts 8:20
What does Acts 8:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:20 means
Peter vehemently rebuked Simon, condemning his audacious attempt to purchase God's gift with money. Peter's sharp words, "Thy silver perish with thee," indicate the severe consequences of such a corrupt thought—total spiritual ruin. He emphasized that divine power is a freely given gift of God, not a marketable commodity that can be bought or sold. This condemnation clarifies the sacredness and unpurchaseable nature of spiritual authority and gifts.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Peter said, May your money come to destruction with you, because you had the idea that what is freely given by God may be got for a price.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Peter said unto him, `Thy silver with thee--may it be to destruction! because the gift of God thou didst think to possess through money;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Keep thy money to thyself, to perish with thee: because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Peter said to him, Thy money go with thee to destruction, because thou hast thought that the gift ofGod can be obtained by money.
Context
This verse contains Peter's immediate and forceful response to Simon's sinful request (verse 19). It establishes a clear theological condemnation, asserting that spiritual power is a gift from God, not something for sale. This rebuke sets the stage for Peter's deeper diagnosis of Simon's spiritual condition in verse 21, revealing the true state of Simon's heart rather than just reacting to his actions.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 18:15
The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning;
- Zechariah 5:4
I will cause it to go forth, saith Jehovah of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name; and it shall abide in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.
- 1 Timothy 6:9
But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.
- Habakkuk 2:9
Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!
- 2 Peter 2:14
having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;
- Acts 2:38
And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…