Acts 8:20
New International Version
Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!

New Living Translation
But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!

English Standard Version
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

Berean Standard Bible
But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!

Berean Literal Bible
But Peter said to him, "Your silver, may it perish with you, because you thought the gift of God to be obtained by money!

King James Bible
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

New King James Version
But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!

New American Standard Bible
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire the gift of God with money!

NASB 1995
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

NASB 1977
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

Legacy Standard Bible
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you supposed you could obtain the gift of God with money!

Amplified Bible
But Peter said to him, “May your money be destroyed along with you, because you thought you could buy the [free] gift of God with money!

Christian Standard Bible
But Peter told him, “May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Peter told him, “May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought the gift of God could be obtained with money!

American Standard Version
But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.

Contemporary English Version
Peter said to him, "You and your money will both end up in hell if you think you can buy God's gift!

English Revised Version
But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Peter told Simon, "May your money be destroyed with you because you thought you could buy God's gift.

Good News Translation
But Peter answered him, "May you and your money go to hell, for thinking that you can buy God's gift with money!

International Standard Version
But Peter told him, "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God's free gift with money!

Majority Standard Bible
But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!

NET Bible
But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire God's gift with money!

New Heart English Bible
But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money.

Webster's Bible Translation
But Peter said to him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Weymouth New Testament
"Perish your money and yourself," replied Peter, "because you have imagined that you can obtain God's free gift with money!

World English Bible
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Peter said to him, “Your silver with you—may it be to destruction! Because you thought to possess the gift of God through money;

Berean Literal Bible
But Peter said to him, "Your silver, may it perish with you, because you thought the gift of God to be obtained by money!

Young's Literal Translation
And Peter said unto him, 'Thy silver with thee -- may it be to destruction! because the gift of God thou didst think to possess through money;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Peter said to him, May thy silver be for ruin with thee, for thou thoughtest the gift of God to be purchased for money.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Keep thy money to thyself, to perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Let your money be with you in perdition, for you have supposed that a gift of God might be possessed by money.

New American Bible
But Peter said to him, “May your money perish with you, because you thought that you could buy the gift of God with money.

New Revised Standard Version
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Simon Peter said to him, Let your money perish with you because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with wealth.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Shimeon Kaypha said to him, “Your silver will go with you to destruction, because you thought that the gift of God is acquired by the possessions of the world.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Peter said to him: Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God might be purchased with money.

Godbey New Testament
And Peter said to him, Thy silver be unto destruction with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.

Haweis New Testament
But Peter said unto him, May thy silver with thyself go into perdition, because thou hast imagined that the gift of God can be purchased with money.

Mace New Testament
but Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, for thinking that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Weymouth New Testament
"Perish your money and yourself," replied Peter, "because you have imagined that you can obtain God's free gift with money!

Worrell New Testament
But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought to acquire the gift of God with money!

Worsley New Testament
But Peter said unto him, Let thy money perish with thee, since thou thoughtest to purchase the gift of God with money.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Simon the Sorcerer
19“Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God.…

Cross References
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;

2 Kings 5:16
But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.

Isaiah 55:1
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Proverbs 15:27
He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.

2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.

Micah 3:11
Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”

1 Corinthians 9:18
What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.

2 Peter 2:3
In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

2 Kings 5:26-27
But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? / Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.

1 Samuel 12:3
Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”

1 Thessalonians 2:5
As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!

Jeremiah 6:13
“For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.

2 Peter 2:15
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.


Treasury of Scripture

But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Thy.

Acts 1:18
Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Deuteronomy 7:26
Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.

Joshua 7:24,25
And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor…

thou.

Acts 8:22
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Deuteronomy 15:9
Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

2 Kings 5:15,16
And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant…

the gift.

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:45
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 11:17
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

Jump to Previous
Buy Destruction Free Freely Gift God's Idea Imagined Money Obtain Obtained Perish Peter Possess Price Purchased Silver Think Thought
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Buy Destruction Free Freely Gift God's Idea Imagined Money Obtain Obtained Perish Peter Possess Price Purchased Silver Think Thought
Acts 8
1. By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria,
4. by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;
9. among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;
14. Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church;
15. where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;
18. when Simon would have bought the like power of them,
20. Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness,
22. and exhorting him to repentance,
25. together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;
26. but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.














But Peter replied
This phrase introduces the response of Peter, one of the leading apostles, known for his boldness and leadership in the early church. The Greek word for "replied" (ἀπεκρίθη) indicates a direct and decisive answer, reflecting Peter's authority and the seriousness of the situation. Historically, Peter's role as a foundational figure in the church is well-documented, and his responses often set doctrinal precedents.

May your silver perish with you
The phrase "May your silver perish with you" is a strong rebuke. The Greek word for "perish" (ἀπόλλυμι) implies destruction or ruin. This reflects the gravity of attempting to commercialize spiritual gifts. Silver, a common currency in the ancient world, symbolizes material wealth. Peter's statement underscores the incompatibility of material wealth with spiritual integrity, a theme consistent throughout Scripture.

because you thought
The word "thought" (ἐνόμισας) in Greek suggests a mistaken belief or assumption. This highlights the error in Simon's understanding of spiritual matters. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misguided intentions and the importance of aligning one's thoughts with divine truth.

you could buy
The concept of buying (ἀγοράζω) in this context is significant. It reflects a transactional mindset, inappropriate for spiritual matters. The early church emphasized that spiritual gifts are given by grace, not earned or purchased. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature of God's gifts as freely given, not commodities to be acquired.

the gift of God
The "gift of God" refers to the Holy Spirit and the accompanying spiritual gifts. The Greek word for "gift" (δωρεά) emphasizes the gratuitous nature of God's blessings. This phrase underscores the divine origin and purpose of spiritual gifts, which are meant to edify the church and glorify God, not to serve personal gain.

with money
The mention of "money" (χρήματα) highlights the contrast between earthly wealth and heavenly treasures. In the historical context of the early church, there was a clear demarcation between the sacred and the secular. This serves as a reminder that spiritual matters transcend material concerns and that the kingdom of God operates on principles of grace and faith, not financial transactions.

(20) Thy money perish with thee.--Literally, Thy money be together with thee, for perdition. The same word is used as in the "son of perdition" in John 17:12 and in Hebrews 10:39. The prominence of the word in 2Peter 2:1-3; 2Peter 3:7; 2Peter 3:16, is interesting in connection with the question as to the authorship of that Epistle. Another coincidence presents itself in the "gold that perisheth" of 1Peter 1:7. . . . Verse 20. - Silver for money, A.V.; to obtain the gift of God for that the gift of God may be purchased, A.V. (rightly, κτᾶσθαι is the middle voice). Silver. This is a change of very doubtful necessity; ἀργύριον, like the French argent, is frequently used for "money" generally, without any reference to the particular metal of which it is made. Sometimes, indeed, it is used in opposition to "gold," as Acts 3:6 and Acts 20:33, and then it is properly rendered "silver." Here the Revisers' mason, doubtless, was to reserve "money" as the rendering of χρήματα (vers. 19, 20). St. Peter's answer is remarkable, not only for the warmth with which he repudiates the proffered bribe, but also for the jealous humility with which he affirms that the gifts of the Spirit were not his to give, but were the gift of God (see Acts 3:12-16).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Peter
Πέτρος (Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

replied,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“{May} your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

silver
ἀργύριόν (argyrion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 694: Neuter of a presumed derivative of arguros; silvery, i.e. cash; specially, a silverling.

perish
εἴη (eiē)
Verb - Present Optative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

with
σὺν (syn)
Preposition
Strong's 4862: With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.

you,
σοὶ (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you thought
ἐνόμισας (enomisas)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3543: From nomos; properly, to do by law, i.e. To accustom; by extension, to deem or regard.

you could buy
κτᾶσθαι (ktasthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 2932: (a) I acquire, win, get, purchase, buy, (b) I possess, win mastery over. A primary verb; to get, i.e. Acquire.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gift
δωρεὰν (dōrean)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1431: A (free) gift, a gift (without repayment). From doron; a gratuity.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

with
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

money!
χρημάτων (chrēmatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5536: Money, riches, possessions. Something useful or needed, i.e. Wealth, price.


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