G3557

Unveiling the Word

Understanding key Greek words in biblical studies offers profound insights into the deeper meanings behind the biblical text. Nosphizō (νοσφίζω) is particularly significant as it appears in Acts 5:2, describing the actions of Ananias when he “kept back” part of the proceeds from the sale of his property, deceiving the early Christian community. This word provides insight into issues of honesty, integrity, and betrayal in the New Testament, and it also connects us to broader themes of personal accountability in ancient Greek culture.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: νοσφίζω (nosphizō), pronounced nos-FEE-zo.

Etymology: The word nosphizō comes from the root nosphi, which means “apart” or “separately,” with a connotation of withholding or distancing. In its verb form, nosphizō indicates the act of withholding something, particularly in a dishonest or deceitful manner. This root helps to underscore the idea of separating oneself from what is rightfully owed or shared with others.

Part of Speech: Verb. Nosphizō is a verb that conveys action, specifically the action of withholding or keeping back something, often in secret or dishonesty. In the context of Acts 5, it implies intentional deceit through withholding property proceeds. It is conjugated according to the rules of Greek verbs and appears in both active and passive forms in various contexts.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Withhold or Keep Back: The primary meaning of nosphizō is to withhold something intentionally, particularly for selfish reasons. In Acts 5:2, Ananias and Sapphira “kept back” part of the money from the sale of their property, an act that was seen as dishonest because they had claimed to give the full amount.

2. To Steal or Embezzle: The word can also carry the connotation of stealing or embezzling, particularly when something that should be shared or given is deliberately withheld. It implies a breach of trust or an act of fraud.

Exploring Similar Words

1. κλέπτω (kleptō) [pronunciation: KLEP-to]: This word means “to steal” and is a more general term for theft, whereas nosphizō often refers specifically to withholding something that was supposed to be given or shared.

2. ἀποστερέω (apostereō) [pronunciation: ah-poh-steh-REH-oh]: Meaning “to defraud” or “to rob,” apostereō is similar to nosphizō, but emphasizes the act of depriving someone of something that rightfully belongs to them.

3. πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteō) [pronunciation: pleh-oh-nek-TEH-oh]: This word refers to the desire for more or greediness, often at the expense of others. While nosphizō involves the act of withholding, pleonekteō focuses on the motivation of greed behind such actions.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For the verb nosphizō, the morphological features include:

• Tense: In Acts 5:2, nosphizō appears in the aorist tense, indicating a past action of keeping back or withholding.

• Voice: It is used in the middle voice, reflecting an action done by the subject for their own benefit (Ananias keeping back part of the proceeds for himself).

• Mood: The verb is in the indicative mood, presenting the action as a factual occurrence.

• Person and Number: In Acts 5:2, it is in the third person singular, referring to the specific action of Ananias.

For more details on Greek grammar, click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

According to several lexicons, nosphizō consistently conveys the idea of withholding or keeping something back, usually in an unethical or deceptive way. In the New Testament, its use in Acts 5 emphasizes not just the action of withholding, but the spiritual and moral implications of deceit. Classical Greek usage also aligns with this, where the word often signifies withholding what rightfully belongs to someone else, whether in financial or moral terms. This interpretation underlines the gravity of Ananias and Sapphira’s actions, making it clear why this was treated as a serious offense within the early Christian community.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 5:2: “With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back [nosphizō] part of the money for himself but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.”

2. Titus 2:10: “…not to steal [nosphizō] from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plutarch Moralia “He kept back [nosphizō] part of what was owed to the city.”

Herodotus Histories “They withheld [nosphizō] the tribute, thus breaking their agreement.”

Septuagint Joshua 7:1 “But the Israelites acted unfaithfully… they kept back [nosphizō] part of the devoted things.”

Noteworthy Summary

Nosphizō offers valuable insight into moral integrity within both the biblical and ancient Greek context. Its use in Acts 5 highlights the serious nature of deceit and dishonesty, especially in matters of trust and communal sharing. The withholding of resources, symbolized by nosphizō, ultimately serves as a warning against greed and dishonesty.

Did You Know?

1. Nosphizō is used sparingly in the New Testament, emphasizing its serious connotations in key passages.

2. The root nosphi carries the sense of being distant or apart, further emphasizing the separation that deceit causes in relationships and communities.

3. In early Christian teachings, nosphizō was associated with financial dishonesty, a particularly egregious offense given the communal nature of the early church.