King James Version

What Does Acts 4:37 Mean?

Acts 4:37 in the King James Version says “Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. — study this verse from Acts chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 4:37 · KJV


Context

35

And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need .

36

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37

Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Barnabas's action - 'having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet' - exemplifies sacrificial generosity. The phrase 'laid it at the apostles' feet' demonstrates submission to church authority for distribution. Selling land (Greek 'agros,' field or estate) represented significant sacrifice - land was permanent wealth. This act introduces the contrast with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) while modeling authentic discipleship: all possessions subject to kingdom priorities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient economy was land-based; selling property reduced permanent income for one-time cash. Barnabas's sacrifice demonstrated genuine conversion - money's grip broken by grace. This episode's placement before Ananias's tragedy shows the contrast between authentic and counterfeit generosity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'permanent wealth' might God be calling you to liquidate for kingdom purposes?
  2. How does 'laying at the apostles' feet' demonstrate trust in church leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ὑπάρχοντος1 of 14

Having

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

αὐτῷ2 of 14
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

ἀγροῦ3 of 14

land

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

πωλήσας4 of 14

sold

G4453

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

ἤνεγκεν5 of 14

it and brought

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

τὸ6 of 14
G3588

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

χρῆμα7 of 14

the money

G5536

something useful or needed, i.e., wealth, price

καὶ8 of 14

and

G2532

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

ἔθηκεν9 of 14

laid

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

παρά10 of 14

it at

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τοὺς11 of 14
G3588

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

πόδας12 of 14

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

τῶν13 of 14
G3588

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

ἀποστόλων14 of 14

the apostles

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)


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 4:37 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 4:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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