King James Version

What Does Acts 4:32 Mean?

Acts 4:32 in the King James Version says “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the th... — study this verse from Acts chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Acts 4:32 · KJV


Context

30

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

31

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

32

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

34

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,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The early church's radical economic sharing ('had all things common') exemplified Spirit-produced unity and love. The phrase 'of one heart and of one soul' indicates spiritual unity preceding and enabling material generosity. This voluntary communalism arose from transformed hearts, not external compulsion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This summary describes the Jerusalem church in its earliest phase (AD 30-31), before persecution scattered believers. Acts records this as descriptive of early practice, not prescriptive for all times, as evidenced by Paul's later instructions assuming private property.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians today balance personal ownership with sacrificial generosity?
  2. What does true spiritual unity look like in contemporary church community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Τοῦ1 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 27

And

G1161

but, and, etc

πλήθους3 of 27

the multitude

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

τῶν4 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιστευσάντων5 of 27

of them that believed

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἦν6 of 27

they had

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

7 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδία8 of 27

of one heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

καὶ9 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

10 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψυχὴ11 of 27

soul

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

εἷς12 of 27

any

G1520

one

καὶ13 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐδὲ14 of 27
G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

εἷς15 of 27

any

G1520

one

τι16 of 27

of them that ought

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν17 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπαρχόντων18 of 27

of the things which he possessed

G5224

things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions

αὐτῷ19 of 27
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἔλεγεν20 of 27

said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἴδιον21 of 27

his own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

εἶναι22 of 27

was

G1511

to exist

ἀλλ'23 of 27

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἦν24 of 27

they had

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

αὐτοῖς25 of 27
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἅπαντα26 of 27

all things

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

κοινά27 of 27

common

G2839

common, i.e., (literally) shared by all or several, or (ceremonially) profane


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 4:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 4:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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