Bible Strands
Acts 20:33
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Ephesian elders during his farewell meeting in Miletus, speaking immediately after commending them to God and before demonstrating his financial self-sufficiency. He makes this statement as part of his final defense of his conduct among them.
The words — ἐπεθύμησα (epethumēsa) translates literally as "I coveted," modified by οὐδενὸς (oudenos), "of no one." Paul explicitly denies desiring anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing.
The thread — This refusal to covet material goods aligns with his recorded practice in 2 Corinthians 11:9 and 1 Corinthians 9:12, 18. In those passages, he similarly documents refusing financial support to avoid burdening others or compromising his ministry.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to verify that their own labor or service is not driven by a desire for others' possessions. It demands that spiritual responsibility be separated from financial entitlement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
Cross-references
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2 Corinthians 12:14 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.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:5 As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!
- 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.”
- 1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
- 1 Samuel 12:3 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.”