Acts 20:33

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Acts 20:33 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

King James Version KJV

I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

American Standard Version ASV

I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

I have had no desire for any man's silver or gold or clothing.

Free Bible Version FBV

I never had any desire for anyone's silver or gold or clothing.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I haue coueted no mans siluer, nor gold, nor apparell.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'The silver or gold or garments of no one did I covet;

World English Bible WEB

I coveted no one’s silver, gold, or clothing.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I have not coveted any man’s silver, gold, or apparel, as

Translation for Translators T4T

As for myself, I have not desired anyone’s money [MTY] or fine clothing.

Plain English Version PEV

Listen, you mob know me. You saw the way that I lived when I was with you. I showed you the right way for a Christian to live. I never wanted to get anyone’s money or good clothes. I always worked to get the money that I needed, and to get money for my friends too.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 20:33

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Acts 20:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK αργυριου η χρυσιου η ιματισμου ουδενος επεθυμησα

αργυριου argurion G694 money Noun-GSN

η ē G2228 or Particle

χρυσιου chrusion G5553 gold Noun-GSN

η ē G2228 or Particle

ιματισμου himatismos G2441 clothing Noun-GSM

ουδενος oudeis G3762 none Adj-GSM-N

επεθυμησα epithumeō G1937 to long for Verb-AAI-1S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 20:33

αργυριου argurion G694 "money" Noun-GSN

This word refers to money or silver coins, as seen in Matthew 25:18 and Acts 3:6. It can describe a piece of silver or a specific amount of money. The KJV translates it as money or piece of silver.

Definition: ἀργύριον, -ου, τό (ἄργυρος), [in LXX for כֶּסֶף (Gen.13:2, al.), exc. La 4:1 (כֶּתֶם) ;] prop., a piece of silver (Lft., Notes, 191); in NT, __(a) silver: Act.3:6 7:16 19:19 20:33, 1Co.3:12, 1Pe.1:18; __(b) money: Mat.25:18, 27, Mrk.14:11, Luk.9:3 19:15, 23 22:5, Act.8:20; __(with) a silver coin: p1., Mat.26:15 27:3-6, 9 28:12, 15, where the value is that of a shekel or tetradrachm; ἀργυρίου μυριάδες πέντε (prob. drachmas; MM, see word), Act.19:19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: money, (piece of) silver (piece) See also: 1 Peter 1:18; Mark 14:11; Matthew 28:15.

η ē G2228 "or" Particle

Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.

Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.

χρυσιου chrusion G5553 "gold" Noun-GSN

Gold refers to a valuable metal or a golden article, like the gold plating in 1 Corinthians 3:12. This word can describe gold coins, ornaments, or other valuable items. It is often used to talk about wealth and value.

Definition: χρυσίον, -ου, τό (dimin. of χρυσός, which see), [in LXX chiefly for זָהָב ;] a piece of gold, gold: 1Co.3:12, Heb.9:4, 1Pe.1:7, Rev.3:18 21:18, 21; of golden ornaments, 1Ti.2:9 (WH, txt., RV), 1Pe.3:3, Rev.17:4 18:16 (WH, txt., R); of gold coin, money, Act.3:6 20:33, 1Pe.1:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: gold See also: 1 Peter 1:7; Hebrews 9:4; 1 Peter 1:18.

η ē G2228 "or" Particle

Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.

ιματισμου himatismos G2441 "clothing" Noun-GSM

Clothing is what we wear to cover ourselves. The Bible talks about it in Luke 7:25 and 1 Timothy 2:9. It's our apparel or attire.

Definition: ἱματισμός, -ού (ιματίζω), [in LXX: Gen.24:53, 2Ch.18:29, Eze.16:18, al. (בֶּגֶד); Exo.3:22 12:35, Rut.3:3, al. (שִׂמְלָה), etc. ;] clothing, apparel (usually of sumptuous attire; see Tr., Syn., § 1): Luk.7:25 9:29, Jhn.19:24 (Psa.22:19, LXX for לְבוּשׁ), Act.20:33, 1Ti.2:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: apparel (X -led), array, raiment, vesture See also: 1 Timothy 2:9; John 19:24; Luke 9:29.

ουδενος oudeis G3762 "none" Adj-GSM-N

This word means 'none' or 'nobody', used in Luke 4:24 and Romans 8:1 to emphasize the absence of something or someone. It's a strong way to say that nothing or no one is present or available.

Definition: οὐδείς, -δεμία, -δέν (also in WH, txt., the Hellenistic forms -θείς, -θέν, Luk.22:35 23:14, Act.15:9 19:27 26:26, 1Co.13:2, 2Co.11:8; cf. BL, §6, 7; M, Pr., 56n, Thackeray, Gr., 58), related to μηδείς as οὐ to μή, no, no one, none: with nouns, Luk.4:24, Jhn.10:41, Rom.8:1, al.; absol., Mat.6:24, Mrk.3:27, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:18, Act.18:10, Rom.14:7, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Luk.4:26, Jhn.13:28, al.; neut., οὐδέν, Mat.10:26, al.; id. with genitive partit., Luk.9:36, Act.18:17, al.; οὐδὲν εἰ μή, Mat.5:13, Mrk.9:29, al.; with neg., strengthening the negation, Mrk.15:4, 5 Luk.4:2, Jhn.3:27, al.; adverbially, Act.25:10, Gal.4:12, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 223 NT verses. KJV: any (man), aught, man, neither any (thing), never (man), no (man), none (+ of these things), not (any, at all, -thing), nought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; John 10:18; Hebrews 2:8.

επεθυμησα epithumeō G1937 "to long for" Verb-AAI-1S

To long for something is to set your heart on it, as seen in James 4:2 and Romans 7:7. This word can describe a strong desire, either good or bad, and is often used to warn against lust or coveting.

Definition: ἐπιθυμέω, -ῶ (θυμός), [in LXX chiefly for אָוָה pi., hithp.; also for חָמַד, etc. ;] to set one's heart upon, desire, lust after, covet: absol., Jas.4:2, Rom.7:7 13:9" (LXX), 1Co.10:6 (of. 4Ma.2:6); before κατά (against, in opposition to), Gal.5:17; prop. (as in cl.) with genitive, Act.20:33, 1Ti.3:1; in late Gk. also with accusative (M, Pr., 65), Mat.5:28 (Rec. αὐτῆς; T omits; cf. Exo.20:17, Mic.2:2, Wis.16:3, al.); with inf., Mat.13:17, Luk.15:16 16:21 17:22, 1Pe.1:12, Rev.9:6; with accusative and inf., Heb.6:11; as in Hebrew, ἐπιθυμία ἐπεθύμησα, Luk.22:15.† SYN.: ὀρέγω (cf. Field, Notes, 204), θέλω (DCG. i, 453) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: covet, desire, would fain, lust (after) See also: 1 Corinthians 10:6; Luke 16:21; 1 Peter 1:12.

Study Notes — Acts 20:33

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 20:33 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 20:33
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 20:33
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 20:33
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 20:33
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 20:33
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 20:33
Cambridge Bible on Acts 20:33
Barnes' Notes on Acts 20:33
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 20:33
Sermons on Acts 20:33

Context — Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians

31Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

33I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. 35In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Corinthians 11:9	And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.
2	1 Corinthians 9:12	If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
3	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.
4	2 Corinthians 7:2	Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
5	1 Thessalonians 2:5	As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!
6	2 Corinthians 12:14–17	See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less? Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery. Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you?
7	1 Corinthians 9:15	But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.
8	1 Peter 5:2	Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
9	Numbers 16:15	Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.”
10	1 Samuel 12:3–5	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.” “You have not wronged us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.

Acts 20:33 Summary

This verse means that Paul, as a leader, did not desire or take anything that belonged to someone else, showing that his heart was pure and his motivation was to serve God and others. He was not in it for personal gain, but to spread the love of God, as seen in his example of hard work and giving in Acts 20:34-35. This is an important lesson for us today, reminding us to focus on what truly matters, like storing up treasures in heaven, rather than desiring earthly riches or possessions, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21. By following Paul's example, we can live a life that is free from covetousness and focused on serving and loving others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to covet someone's possessions?

To covet means to strongly desire something that belongs to someone else, often driven by greed or envy, as warned against in the Tenth Commandment in Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21.

Why is it important for leaders to be free from covetousness?

Leaders who are free from covetousness, like the apostle Paul, can serve as a good example to others, demonstrating that their motivation is to serve God and others, not to gain personally, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3.

How can we apply this verse to our own lives?

We can apply this verse by examining our own hearts and motivations, asking God to help us identify and root out any covetous desires, and instead, focus on serving and giving to others, as encouraged in Acts 20:35 and Matthew 6:19-21.

What is the relationship between contentment and covetousness?

Contentment and covetousness are opposites, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, where contentment is described as a key to godliness, while covetousness can lead to all sorts of evil, highlighting the importance of cultivating a heart of contentment and gratitude towards God.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be coveting something that belongs to someone else, and how can I surrender those desires to God?
How can I, like Paul, demonstrate a lack of covetousness in my own life and leadership, and what would be the impact on those around me?
In what ways can I show appreciation and gratitude for what God has given me, rather than constantly desiring more, and how can I use my resources to bless others?
What does it mean to 'store up treasures in heaven' as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21, and how can I apply this principle in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 20:33

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. This the apostle says, not merely in vindication of himself, and his character, from all charge or suspicion of avarice; but chiefly for the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 20:33

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Compare 2 Corinthians 12:14, "I seek not yours, but you."

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 20:33

Having spoken of the heavenly inheritance, he tells them how willing he was to have his reward hereafter, and to waive receiving his wages here. In this, St. Paul imitates Moses, , and Samuel, ,5.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 20:33

33 I have coveted no man’ s silver, or gold, or apparel. Ver. 33. I have coveted no man’ s, &c.] Non opes, non gloriam, non voluptates quaesivi, &c. Hanc conscientiam aufero quocunque discedo, said Melancthon. (Melch. Adam.)

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 20:33

(33) I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.—Comp. the parallel of Samuel’s appeal to the people (1 Samuel 12:3). In each case there was a special reason for what might otherwise seem an uncalled-for boast. Samuel’s sons had been guilty of corrupt practices, taking bribes and the like (1 Samuel 8:3). Among the many calumnies against St. Paul, one was that he used his apostolic ministry “as a cloke of covetousness.” (Comp. 2 Corinthians 7:2; 2 Corinthians 12:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:5.) On “apparel,” as constituting a large part of the personal estate of the East, see Notes on Matthew 6:19; James 5:2.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 20:33

Verse 33. I have coveted no man's silver, c.] And from this circumstance they would be able to discover the grievous wolves, and the perverters for these had nothing but their own interests in view; whereas the genuine disciples of Christ neither coveted nor had worldly possessions. St. Paul's account of his own disinterestedness is very similar to that given by Samuel of his, 1 Samuel 12:3-5.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 20:33

33. I have coveted] Rev. Ver. “I coveted.” But this seems unnecessary. The Apostle implies that the state of mind was his when he was with them and continues still.apparel] In which Oriental wealth largely consisted. Hence Naaman brings “changes of raiment” as well as money among the rewards which he expects to give for his cure (2 Kings 5:5), and the same may be noticed in many other parts of the Scripture history. Cp. Genesis 24:53; Genesis 45:22; 2 Kings 7:3, &c.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 20:33

I have coveted - I have not desired. I have not made it an object of my living among you to obtain your property.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 20:33

33. No man’s silver—Cicero in very glowing terms describes the virtue of his brother, who was governor of an Asiatic province: “Wonderful it is that when you possessed absolute power for three years

Sermons on Acts 20:33

	Sermon	Description
	Is Your Work Being Tried by Fire? by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his house burning down and how it challenged his theology. He reflects on the fact that there are some things in life th
	Building the Body of Christ by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a humble and sacrificial life, just as Jesus and the apostle Paul did. He highlights how Paul worked tirelessly to h
	(The Foundation and the Building) the Secrets of Jesus Life by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the allure of materialism and the desire to imitate the extravagant lifestyles of others. He warns against being deceived by the external appe
	Profiteering Christianity by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance
	The Wisdom of a Master Soul-Winner by David Legge	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of passionate preaching and evangelism. He uses the analogy of a watchman sounding the trumpet to warn the city, stating that
	The Way God Build's His Church by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the New Testament pattern of church planting and leadership, focusing on building churches based on the principles seen in the Ac
	Day 128, Acts 20:7-38 by David Servant	David Servant preaches on the supernatural occurrences in the Bible, drawing parallels between Paul embracing Eutychus and Elijah embracing a dead boy. He emphasizes the importance