Acts 8:20 Meaning and Explanation
“But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Peter answers: may your money perish with you, for thinking the gift of God could be purchased.
What Does Acts 8:20 Mean?
Peter's reply is among the sharpest sentences in Acts: 'Thy money perish with thee.' The thought that God's gift might be bought strikes at the very heart of the gospel, and Peter treats it accordingly.
The word for 'gift' here means something freely given. What is free can only be received, never purchased — its cost was already borne by Christ. To set a price on grace is to misunderstand it entirely. Peter's severity is itself a mercy: some errors must be struck hard precisely so that the one gripped by them can let go and live.
Acts 8:20 in the Original Language
dorea (δωρεά), 'gift' -- a free gift, bestowed without price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 8:20
What does Acts 8:20 mean?
Peter answers: may your money perish with you, for thinking the gift of God could be purchased.