Acts 5:2

2 and did keep back of the price -- his wife also knowing -- and having brought a certain part, at the feet of the apostles he laid [it].

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 And a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 and did keep back of the price -- his wife also knowing -- and having brought a certain part, at the feet of the apostles he laid [it].

3 And Peter said, `Ananias, wherefore did the Adversary fill thy heart, for thee to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back of the price of the place?

4 while it remained, did it not remain thine? and having been sold, in thy authority was it not? why [is] it that thou didst put in thy heart this thing? thou didst not lie to men, but to God;'

5 and Ananias hearing these words, having fallen down, did expire, and great fear came upon all who heard these things,