Bible Dictionary
Sapphira
Sapphira was the wife of Ananias. She joined her husband in deceptively withholding part of the money from a sale while claiming to give the whole amount, and died under divine judgment.
Definition
Sapphira was the wife of Ananias. She participated with him in withholding part of the proceeds from a sale while presenting the gift as though the whole amount had been given.
Biblical Usage
Sapphira shared her husband’s guilt and punishment in the account of the early church. After being questioned about the money, she died under divine judgment.
Historical Background
The name is Aramaic and may mean “beautiful” or “sapphire.”
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Beautiful, the wife of Ananias (q.v.). She was a partner in his guilt and also in his punishment (Acts 5:1-11).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Ananias]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sa-fi'-ra (shappira'; Aramaic for either "beautiful" or "sapphire"; Sappheira): Wife of Ananias (Ac 5:1-10).</p><p>See ANANIAS, (1).</p>