4:34a
4:34a in Greek starts with the conjunction that is usually translated as “for.” It introduces an example of God’s grace (4:33) or possibly an example of sharing everything the believers had (4:32c). For example:
For (New American Standard Bible)
There were no needy ones among them: This clause in Greek is literally “not anyone was needy.” The words needy ones refer to people who are poor and lack things, such as food, clothing, or shelter. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
There was no one in the group who was in need (Good News Translation)
-or-
None among them lacked for anything
4:34b
because: This word introduces an explanation or example for why there were no needy persons.
those who owned lands or houses would sell their property: The Greek indicates that the selling of lands and houses happened more than once. Various people sold various houses or various pieces of land at various times. Here are some other ways to translate this:
those who were owners of land or houses were selling them (NET Bible)
-or-
various people sold their houses or pieces of land at various times
those who owned lands or houses: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as those who owned is literally “as many as were owners.” It implies “all.” But Luke does not mean that all the believers eventually became homeless. It probably means that believers who were wealthy sold their extra land or homes. But Luke probably used “as many as” to indicate unity of purpose.
lands: The Greek word here refers to places where there was not a city. town, or village.
4:34c
bring the proceeds from the sales: This clause indicates that the believers brought the full amount of the sale price to give to the apostles. For example:
brought the proceeds of what was sold (English Standard Version)
-or-
brought the whole amount of the sale price
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