Σαπφίρᾳ (Strong’s 4551) is rendered “Sapphira,” a transliteration of the Aramaic-Hebrew word for “sapphire,” a precious blue gemstone symbolizing beauty and value.

Biblical Occurrence

The name appears once in the Greek New Testament, Acts 5:1, identifying the wife of Ananias. Her brief but memorable account unfolds in Acts 5:1-11.

Narrative Context in Acts 5

Acts 5:1-2: “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

The couple’s public pretense of total generosity, while privately withholding, is exposed by Peter (Acts 5:3-4). After Ananias falls dead, Sapphira enters, unaware of events (Acts 5:7). Confronted, she confirms the false price and likewise falls dead (Acts 5:10). “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events” (Acts 5:11).

Theological Themes

1. Integrity before God: The narrative underscores that deceit, even in seemingly private matters, is ultimately directed “not to men, but to God” (Acts 5:4).
2. The Holy Spirit’s deity and personality: Peter equates lying to the apostles with lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4), affirming the Spirit’s divine status.
3. Purity of the early church: Immediate judgment safeguards the fledgling community, illustrating God’s concern for holiness at a key formative stage.
4. Fear of the Lord: The sudden judgments foster reverential awe, preparing hearts for the continued advance of the gospel (Acts 5:12-14).

Historical and Cultural Background

Land sales and communal sharing (Acts 4:34-37) were voluntary acts of benevolence, not imposed socialism. The sin lay not in retaining funds but in misrepresenting the gift to gain honor. In first-century Judaism, public benefaction was often praised; Sapphira’s complicity shows awareness of cultural expectations and a desire for reputation without sacrifice.

Lessons for Ministry and Personal Application

• Stewardship: God values truthfulness in offerings, whether large or small.
• Shared responsibility: Sapphira’s agreement with Ananias highlights the moral agency and accountability of each believer, regardless of marital partnership.
• Church discipline: While supernatural judgment is rare, the passage guides modern congregations toward transparent leadership and corrective action when necessary (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6-7).
• Fear and comfort: The same Spirit who judged also empowered bold witness (Acts 4:31), reminding believers that divine holiness and mercy coexist.

Comparative References

Joshua 7:1-26—Achan’s hidden plunder parallels concealed sin disrupting a covenant community.

Leviticus 10:1-3—Nadab and Abihu’s unauthorized fire prefigures immediate judgment for irreverence.

1 John 1:6-9—Call to walk in truth and confession, contrasting with Ananias and Sapphira’s deception.

Patristic Reflection and Later Church Use

Early commentators, such as John Chrysostom (Homilies on Acts 12), linked the account to Communion warnings in 1 Corinthians 11:27-30, urging self-examination. Medieval exegesis treated Sapphira as an emblem of hypocritical almsgiving, while Reformers cited the passage to defend church discipline and stress Spirit-wrought purity.

Key Questions for Study and Teaching

1. How does the meaning “sapphire” contrast with the moral blemish in Acts 5?
2. What safeguards can modern churches establish to promote financial transparency?
3. In what ways does fear of the Lord remain relevant for believers living under grace?