The Greek word Sappheírē, represented by G4551, is the proper name Sapphira, an Israelitess. A feminine form derived from the word for sapphire, it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole use is to identify a specific woman in the early church narrative recorded in the book of Acts.
In the biblical narrative, G4551 appears in the introduction to a significant event in the early church. The name is used to identify the wife of Ananias, establishing her as a key figure alongside her husband. The text states, "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession" Acts 5:1. This verse places her at the beginning of an account involving a financial transaction within the community of believers.
Several related words help define Sapphira's identity and context within the narrative:
- G367 Ananías (Ananias, the name of three Israelites): This is the name of her husband, with whom she is explicitly linked in the account of selling a possession Acts 5:1.
- G1135 gynḗ (a woman; specially, a wife): This word clarifies Sapphira's relationship to Ananias, identifying her as "his wife" Acts 5:1.
- G435 anḗr (a man (properly as an individual male)): This term is used to introduce her husband Ananias as the man who, along with Sapphira, initiated the action described in the verse Acts 5:1.
The narrative significance of G4551 is tied directly to the event described in Acts 5.
- Active Partnership: Sapphira is introduced "with" her husband, indicating her direct involvement in the plan to sell the possession. Her inclusion by name suggests she was a willing and knowing partner in the events that followed Acts 5:1.
- Individual Identity: By being specifically named with G4551, she is not an anonymous figure but a distinct individual in the narrative, sharing responsibility with her husband Ananias Acts 5:1.
- Context of Judgment: The story introduces a severe consequence for deception. Sapphira's husband, Ananias G367, is immediately confronted for having "lied to the Holy Ghost" and subsequently dies, setting a grave context for Sapphira's part in the story (Acts 5:3, Acts 5:5).
In summary, G4551 Sappheírē is a proper name used a single time to identify a woman central to a cautionary tale in the early church. Her identity is inseparable from her husband, Ananias G367, and her role as his wife G1135. Though mentioned only once by name, her story as a participant in the events of Acts 5 serves as a memorable and sobering account of accountability within the community of believers.
TRV