νοσφίζω (nosphizō)
nosphizō
to embezzle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb nosphizō describes the act of setting something aside for oneself in secret, effectively stealing from what belongs to another. Its core meaning involves a covert appropriation, where an individual withdraws resources or property under the guise of separation but with the intent of personal gain. This is not open robbery, but rather a quiet diversion of assets that should have remained shared or public.
In the New Testament, this word appears in only three verses, carrying significant weight due to its specific context. In Acts 5:2-3, Peter confronts Ananias for keeping back part of the proceeds from a land sale while claiming to give the whole amount. Here, nosphizō highlights the deception involved in hiding the money rather than simply failing to give it all. Similarly, Titus 2:10 warns that servants must not "purloin" or embezzle their masters' goods, emphasizing honesty in employment.
The term’s nuance lies in its focus on the hidden nature of the theft. It implies a deliberate act of turning away from communal or rightful ownership to secure private benefit. Translators often render it as "embezzle" or "purloin" to capture this sense of fraudulent appropriation. The word serves as a stark reminder that integrity requires more than just outward compliance; it demands transparency and faithfulness in all dealings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nosphizō describes a quiet kind of dishonesty where someone secretly keeps what belongs to others or to the community. It is not loud theft, but a hidden diversion of resources for personal gain. In Acts 5:3, Peter confronts Ananias for this very act, showing that God sees the secret motives behind our actions. This word reminds us that integrity means more than just following rules; it requires an honest heart.
When we work or manage resources, we are called to transparency. Titus 2:10 encourages believers to show complete faithfulness, avoiding even the subtle temptation to take what is not ours. This kind of honesty honors God and builds trust with those around us. By choosing openness over secrecy, we reflect the character of Christ in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to keep back1×
- pilfering1×
- he kept back1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνοσφίσατο1×
- νοσφίσασθαι1×
- νοσφιζομένους1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 5:3
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Peter uses the concept of nosphizō to expose Ananias's lie to the Holy Spirit regarding the land proceeds.
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Titus 2:10
not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.
This verse warns against purloining, linking honest conduct to the adornment of God's doctrine.
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Acts 5:2
and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, then brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
The narrative context shows Ananias keeping back part of the price while presenting only a portion.