The Verse in Focus (Acts 4:37)
ὑπάρχοντος αὐτῷ ἀγροῦ, πωλήσας ἤνεγκε τὸ χρῆμα καὶ ἔθηκε παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων
ὑπάρχοντος αὐτῷ ἀγροῦ: Possession Stated
This participial phrase sets up the background for the action:
– ὑπάρχοντος is the present active participle, genitive masculine singular of ὑπάρχω, meaning “to exist” or “to belong.”
– αὐτῷ — dative singular pronoun, “to him.”
– ἀγροῦ — genitive singular of ἀγρός, “field.”
Grammatically, this is a genitive absolute construction: “Since a field was belonging to him” or “While he possessed a field.” It functions independently of the main clause and provides contextual background.
πωλήσας: Action Initiated
– πωλήσας is the aorist active participle of πωλέω, “to sell,” nominative masculine singular.
This participle introduces the first action of the subject (Barnabas, per v.36). The aorist tense signals a completed action: “having sold [it].”
ἤνεγκε τὸ χρῆμα: Gift Delivered
– ἤνεγκε is the aorist active indicative of φέρω, “he brought.”
– τὸ χρῆμα — accusative singular of χρῆμα, meaning “money” or “proceeds.”
This is the main verb of the sentence. The aorist tense indicates simple past: “he brought the money.” The verb expresses not just movement but the presentation of a gift.
ἔθηκε παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων: A Symbolic Gesture
– ἔθηκε — aorist active indicative of τίθημι, “he placed” or “he laid.”
– παρὰ τοὺς πόδας — “at the feet,” a Greek idiom for submission, deference, or offering.
– τῶν ἀποστόλων — genitive plural, “of the apostles.”
This vivid phrase shows trust and surrender. Barnabas didn’t just donate; he entrusted the full sum to the apostles’ discretion for communal distribution, reinforcing the unity and shared life of the early church.
The Aorist of Generosity
Acts 4:37 is rich in narrative rhythm and theological depth. Through two aorist participles (ὑπάρχοντος, πωλήσας) and two aorist indicatives (ἤνεγκε, ἔθηκε), the text highlights decisive, generous action. Greek grammar here frames sacrificial giving not as obligation, but as worship. The field is sold, the proceeds are carried, and the gift is laid down — not for applause, but at the feet of those sent by Christ.
