### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name **Ananías**, represented by `{{G367}}`, is of Hebrew origin and is the name of three distinct Israelites in the New Testament. It appears **11 times** across **10 unique verses**, with all occurrences found in the book of Acts. The name is not associated with a single definition but with the specific actions and roles of the individuals who bore it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{G367}}` is attached to three key figures in the early church narrative. The first Ananias, along with his wife **Sapphira** `{{G4551}}`, **sold** `{{G4453}}` a **possession** `{{G2933}}` but was accused by Peter of **lying** `{{G5574}}` to the **Holy** `{{G40}}` **Ghost** `{{G4151}}` by keeping back part of the price [[Acts 5:1-3]]. After **hearing** `{{G191}}` Peter's words, he **fell down** `{{G4098}}` and **gave up the ghost** `{{G1634}}`, causing **great** `{{G3173}}` **fear** `{{G5401}}` [[Acts 5:5]]. The second was a **devout** `{{G2152}}` disciple in Damascus sent by the Lord in a **vision** `{{G3705}}` to restore Saul's sight ([[Acts 9:10]], [[Acts 22:12]]). He laid his **hands** `{{G5495}}` on **Saul** `{{G4549}}` so he could **receive his sight** `{{G308}}` and be **filled with** `{{G4130}}` the Holy Ghost [[Acts 9:17]]. The third Ananias was a **high priest** `{{G749}}` who opposed Paul, **commanding** `{{G2004}}` him to be **smitten** `{{G5180}}` and bringing charges against him before the governor ([[Acts 23:2]], [[Acts 24:1]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The narratives involving these men connect to several important related words:
* `{{G5574}}` **pseúdomai** (to lie): This is the central sin of the first Ananias, who attempted to **lie** to the Holy Ghost [[Acts 5:3]]. It is defined as an attempt to deceive by falsehood.
* `{{G308}}` **anablépō** (to recover sight): This is the miracle associated with the second Ananias, who was sent so Saul might **receive his sight** [[Acts 9:17]]. The word means to look up or, by implication, to recover sight.
* `{{G749}}` **archiereús** (high-priest): This title identifies the third Ananias, who used his authority to persecute Paul [[Acts 23:2]]. It defines the high-priest of the Jews.
* `{{G3705}}` **hórama** (vision): This is the supernatural means by which the second Ananias received his divine commission. The Lord spoke to him in a **vision** [[Acts 9:10]].
### Theological Significance
The stories of the men named `{{G367}}` carry significant theological weight through their contrasting examples:
* **Divine Judgment on Deception:** The first Ananias serves as a solemn warning against hypocrisy within the church. His choice to **lie** `{{G5574}}`, attributed to **Satan** `{{G4567}}` filling his heart, met with immediate and fatal consequences, demonstrating God's view of sin against the **Holy** `{{G40}}` **Spirit** `{{G4151}}` [[Acts 5:3-5]].
* **Faithful Obedience:** The second Ananias exemplifies obedience to God's call, even in the face of fear. Despite having **heard** `{{G191}}` of the **evil** `{{G2556}}` Saul had done, this **devout** `{{G2152}}` man became the instrument for Saul's healing and initial infilling of the Spirit ([[Acts 9:13]], [[Acts 9:17]], [[Acts 22:12]]).
* **Corrupt Religious Authority:** The third Ananias, the **high priest** `{{G749}}`, represents the opposition faced by early believers from established religious powers. His command to **smite** `{{G5180}}` Paul shows a misuse of authority against God's chosen messenger [[Acts 23:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G367}}` is a name tied to three pivotal and contrasting accounts in the book of Acts. These individuals are not related, yet their stories collectively illustrate core themes of the Christian faith: the gravity of deceit versus the blessing of integrity, the courage required for obedience, and the reality of opposition from the world. Through the distinct narratives of these three men, the name Ananias becomes a backdrop for understanding the high stakes of discipleship in the early church.
TRV