feminine of σάπφειρος; Sapphire, an Israelitess:--Sapphira.
Transliteration:Sappheírē
Pronunciation:sap-fi'-ray
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Sappheírē (G4551) is a proper noun, specifically a feminine personal name. It is derived from σάπφειρος (sappheiros), meaning "sapphire," the precious blue gemstone. Thus, the name itself carries the connotation of "sapphire" or "beautiful as a sapphire." As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to identifying a specific individual within the biblical narrative, bearing the symbolic weight of its etymological root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Sappheírē (G4551) appears exclusively in the New Testament, found solely within the book of Acts. Her story is inextricably linked with that of her husband, Ananias (`{{G367}}`), in a singular and significant narrative.
* [[Acts 5:1]] introduces "a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira." This verse sets the stage for their joint action.
* The narrative unfolds with Ananias and Sapphira selling a piece of property but secretly keeping back a portion of the proceeds while presenting a lesser amount to the apostles as if it were the full sum ([[Acts 5:2]]).
* Peter confronts Ananias, accusing him of lying to the Holy Spirit (`{{G4151}}` `{{G40}}`) and not to men ([[Acts 5:3-4]]). Ananias immediately falls dead.
* Three hours later, Sapphira enters, unaware of her husband's fate. Peter questions her directly about the sale price, giving her an opportunity to confess or confirm the deception ([[Acts 5:7-8]]).
* [[Acts 5:9]] records Peter's direct accusation: "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
* Immediately following Peter's words, Sapphira also falls down and dies ([[Acts 5:10]]).
The context is crucial: this event occurs early in the life of the nascent Christian church, a period characterized by remarkable unity, generosity, and the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit ([[Acts 4:32-37]]). The sin of Ananias and Sapphira—deceit, hypocrisy, and lying to God (as represented by the Holy Spirit and the apostles)—is met with swift and severe divine judgment, underscoring the sanctity and purity required within the community of faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
* Ἀνανίας (Ananias, `{{G367}}`): Sapphira's husband, whose parallel actions and fate are inseparable from hers.
* ψεύδομαι (pseudomai, `{{G5574}}`): To lie, to deceive. This verb encapsulates the core sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira.
* πνεῦμα ἅγιον (pneuma hagion, `{{G4151}}` `{{G40}}`): Holy Spirit. The sin is explicitly identified as lying to the Holy Spirit, highlighting the divine nature of the offense.
* ἀγρός (agros, `{{G68}}`): Field, land. The specific item sold that became the object of their deception.
* πωλέω (poleo, `{{G4453}}`): To sell.
* τίμη (time, `{{G5092}}`): Price, value. The amount of money involved in the sale and the deception.
* σάπφειρος (sappheiros): The gemstone "sapphire," from which Sapphira's name is derived. This etymological link stands in stark contrast to the spiritual darkness of her actions.
### Theological Significance
The narrative concerning Sapphira (and Ananias) carries profound theological weight for the early Church and for believers throughout history.
1. **Holiness of God and Seriousness of Sin:** The immediate and fatal judgment upon Sapphira emphasizes God's absolute holiness and His intolerance for unrepentant sin, particularly deceit and hypocrisy within His covenant community. It demonstrates that lying to the Holy Spirit is tantamount to lying to God Himself.
2. **Integrity and Transparency:** The incident serves as a powerful warning against superficial devotion and the danger of seeking human praise over divine approval. It underscores the imperative for genuine integrity, transparency, and complete honesty in stewardship and all aspects of Christian life.
3. **Divine Presence in the Church:** The swift judgment highlights the active, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within the nascent Church. The Holy Spirit is not a passive force but a divine Person who discerns hearts and judges sin.
4. **Corporate Responsibility:** Sapphira's complicity in her husband's deception, even after having the opportunity to confess, illustrates the shared responsibility and consequences of joint sin.
5. **Purity of the Early Church:** This event, though severe, contributed to the purity and integrity of the early Christian community, instilling a reverent fear of God and deterring further attempts at deception. It helped establish a standard of truthfulness essential for the Church's witness.
### Summary
Sappheírē (G4551) is a feminine proper noun, meaning "sapphire," referring to the wife of Ananias in the Book of Acts. Her singular appearance in [[Acts 5:1-11]] is central to a narrative illustrating the severe consequences of hypocrisy and deceit within the early Christian community. Sapphira, in complicity with her husband (`{{G367}}`), lied to the apostles and, more significantly, to the Holy Spirit (`{{G4151}}` `{{G40}}`) about the proceeds of a land sale. This act of falsehood (`{{G5574}}`) resulted in immediate divine judgment, leading to her death. The account underscores the absolute holiness of God, the gravity of sin against the Holy Spirit, and the imperative for integrity and truthfulness among believers, serving as a foundational warning against all forms of spiritual deception.
TRV