Acts 4 34

Acts 4:34 kjv

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Acts 4:34 nkjv

Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

Acts 4:34 niv

that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales

Acts 4:34 esv

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold

Acts 4:34 nlt

There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them

Acts 4 verses

Acts 4 34 Meaning

Acts 4:34 vividly portrays the early Christian community's practice of radical mutual care. It means that within the Jerusalem church, there was a complete absence of material poverty or lack among believers because those who possessed significant assets, such as land or houses, voluntarily sold them. The proceeds from these sales were then contributed to a common fund, ensuring that the needs of every individual within their fellowship were fully met, thereby reflecting profound Christian love and unity in action.

Acts 4 34 Context

Acts chapter 4 opens with Peter and John boldly preaching the resurrection of Jesus after healing a lame man. This leads to their arrest and appearance before the Sanhedrin, where they fearlessly declare their unwavering commitment to Christ despite threats. Upon their release, they return to the fellowship, and the entire community prays for more boldness. The Holy Spirit then fills them anew, demonstrating powerful unity and divine affirmation. It is immediately following this powerful spiritual display (Acts 4:23-31) that Luke transitions to describing the deep communal life of the believers. Acts 4:34 forms part of this summary (Acts 4:32-37), illustrating how their "one heart and soul" (v. 32) translated into the practical act of meeting all material needs within the burgeoning community. This communal provision was particularly crucial in Jerusalem, where many new converts, potentially including pilgrims who remained after Pentecost, faced new economic circumstances.

Acts 4 34 Word analysis

• Neither: From the Greek oude (οὐδὲ), signifying a strong negative conjunction, meaning "not even one." It emphasizes the complete absence of any individual facing hardship.

• was there: Greek ēn (ἦν), the imperfect form of eimi ("to be"). It describes a continuous or ongoing state in the past, highlighting that this condition of provision persisted.

• any among them: Greek tis en autois (τις ἐν αὐτοῖς), literally "anyone among them." This phrase clarifies that the complete eradication of need was specifically within the community of believers.

• that lacked: Greek endeēs (ἐνδεής), meaning "needy," "destitute," "deficient," "in want." This term refers to genuine destitution or lack of basic necessities, not just desires. Its use emphasizes that fundamental needs were fully met.

• for as many as were possessors: Greek gar hosoi hyparchontes hyparchontōn (γὰρ ὅσοι ὑπάρχοντες ὑπαρχόντων). Hyparchontes is a participle from hyparchō, meaning "to exist," "to be," "to belong to," signifying actual owners. This highlights that these individuals had established ownership, and their subsequent actions were voluntary choices.

• of lands: Greek chōrion (χωρίον), meaning "a plot of land," "a field," "a piece of ground." This indicates immovable property, often a significant asset representing substantial wealth or family inheritance.

• or houses: Greek oikia (οἰκία), meaning "a dwelling," "house," "residence." Also substantial assets, these indicate permanent structures and possibly business locations, signifying considerable personal wealth.

• sold them: Greek epipraskon (ἐπίπρασκον), the imperfect tense of pipraskō ("to sell"). The imperfect tense suggests that this was not a singular event but a recurring or ongoing practice within the community. It emphasizes the voluntary and active process of liquidation.

• and brought: Greek epheron (ἔφερον), the imperfect tense of pherō ("to bring," "to carry"). Like "sold," the imperfect tense points to a continuous or repeated action, indicating the ongoing contribution of funds to the common pool.

• the prices: Greek timas (τιμὰς), the plural of timē, meaning "price," "value," or "honor." Here, it specifically denotes the monetary value received from the sale of their property.

• of the things that were sold: This clarifies that it was the liquid cash from the sale of their assets, rather than the assets themselves, that was brought to the apostles for distribution.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Neither was there any among them that lacked": This declarative statement acts as a profound testament to the effectiveness of their communal living. It posits an ideal Christian community where, unlike the broader society, no member experienced material hardship or genuine want. This was a radical testimony to the transforming power of Christ's love among them.
  • "for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them": This phrase provides the specific, voluntary action that led to the state of no lack. It underscores that personal property ownership existed until the individual freely chose to liquidate these significant assets (lands and houses), highlighting a profound reorientation of values away from personal accumulation towards corporate well-being.
  • "and brought the prices of the things that were sold": This describes the mechanism of pooling resources. The act of "bringing the prices" (the money) implies a centralized system for managing and distributing funds. It reveals the practical logistics of their radical sharing, where liquid capital was made available for common use.

Acts 4 34 Bonus section

While the complete liquidation of major assets described in Acts 4:34 was a prominent feature of the Jerusalem church's early communal life, particularly suited to its unique circumstances (e.g., rapid growth, converts perhaps becoming displaced, need for strong internal cohesion amidst external hostility), it is not presented as a universally binding command for all believers across all times and contexts. The enduring principles are radical generosity, prioritizing the needs of fellow believers, a willingness to sacrifice for the common good, and trusting God's provision within the community. The focus remains on ensuring that "no needy person among them" exists, which can be achieved through various forms of giving and sharing in different cultural and economic settings. This passage sets a high bar for Christian concern for the poor within the body of Christ.

Acts 4 34 Commentary

Acts 4:34 reveals the practical outworking of spiritual unity and the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church. This was not a forced communalism but a voluntary outpouring of Christian love and devotion, enabling radical generosity. Believers saw their possessions not as solely private property but as resources for the Kingdom and the immediate family of faith. Their actions eradicated economic disparities among them, fulfilling an Old Testament ideal and demonstrating a unique Christ-centered community. This level of selflessness served as a powerful testimony to the transforming gospel, enabling the church to grow both numerically and spiritually without internal strife over material concerns.