Acts 5:2

2 and, with his wife's knowledge, withheld some of the proceeds for himself; although he did bring the rest to the emissaries.

Acts 5:2 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 5:2

And kept back part of the price
At which the possession was sold; he reserved it for his own use, after he had given out that he sold it for the service of the church:

his wife also being privy to it;
to this private reserve:

and brought a certain part;
whether the greater part, or an equal part, half of it, or a lesser part; some little part of it, so the phrase seems to signify, is not certain:

and laid it at the apostles' feet;
as the rest did, thereby to make a show of charity, and cover the deceit.

Acts 5:2 In-Context

1 But there was a man named Hananyah who, with his wife Shappirah, sold some property

2 and, with his wife's knowledge, withheld some of the proceeds for himself; although he did bring the rest to the emissaries.

3 Then Kefa said, "Why has the Adversary so filled your heart that you lie to the Ruach HaKodesh and keep back some of the money you received for the land?

4 Before you sold it, the property was yours; and after you sold it, the money was yours to use as you pleased. So what made you decide to do such a thing? You have lied not to human beings but to God!"

5 On hearing these words, Hananyah fell down dead; and everyone who heard about it was terrified.