### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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