Sapphira is one of the most memorable women mentioned in the New Testament, not because of her faith, but because of her deception. Her story is brief but powerful. It’s found in Acts 5:1–11, where she and her husband, Ananias, commit a serious sin against the early church.
Below are 10 interesting facts about Sapphira that help us better understand her role and warning in Scripture.
1. Sapphira's Name Means "Beautiful"
The name Sapphira comes from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning "sapphire" or "beautiful." Ironically, her actions stood in contrast to the meaning of her name.
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches…” — Proverbs 22:1
2. She Was Married to Ananias
Sapphira and Ananias were a married couple in the early church in Jerusalem. Together, they plotted to deceive the apostles by pretending to donate all the proceeds from the sale of their property.
“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.” — Acts 5:1
3. They Lied About a Donation
The main issue was not that they kept part of the money, but that they lied about giving all of it. Their sin was deception and hypocrisy.
“...and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it...” — Acts 5:2
4. Sapphira Was Not Forced to Lie
Sapphira made a personal decision to lie when asked by Peter. She had a chance to speak the truth but chose to stick to the lie.
“Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much?” And she said, “Yea, for so much.” — Acts 5:8
5. She Died Instantly by God’s Judgment
Just like her husband, Sapphira fell dead after her lie was exposed. This shows how seriously God viewed the sin of deceit in the early church.
“Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost…” — Acts 5:10
6. Her Death Caused Great Fear in the Church
Sapphira’s sudden death was not just a punishment—it was a warning. The early believers were reminded that God is holy and sees all.
“And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.” — Acts 5:11
7. Her Story Highlights the Power of the Holy Spirit
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, was able to discern their lie. This moment revealed that lying to the church is the same as lying to God.
“Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost…?” — Acts 5:3
8. She Was Buried Beside Her Husband
Those who buried Ananias came back and found Sapphira dead too. They carried her out and buried her next to her husband.
“Then the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.” — Acts 5:10
9. She Is a Picture of Hypocrisy
Jesus warned against hypocrisy many times. Sapphira’s story is a New Testament example of what it looks like when someone pretends to be generous and holy but isn’t.
“Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” — Luke 12:1
10. Her Story Is a Solemn Warning to the Church Today
Sapphira’s story reminds us that God sees what’s in our hearts. Honesty, especially in matters of faith and generosity, matters deeply to Him.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” — Galatians 6:7
Summary Table
| Fact | Description | Bible Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name Meaning | "Beautiful" | — |
| 2. Married to Ananias | Co-conspirator in deception | Acts 5:1 |
| 3. Lied About Donation | Kept back money | Acts 5:2 |
| 4. Had a Choice | Lied knowingly | Acts 5:8 |
| 5. Died Instantly | God’s judgment | Acts 5:10 |
| 6. Caused Great Fear | Sobering event for the church | Acts 5:11 |
| 7. Holy Spirit Involved | The lie was against God | Acts 5:3 |
| 8. Buried with Husband | Same fate, same grave | Acts 5:10 |
| 9. Symbol of Hypocrisy | Pretended holiness | Luke 12:1 |
| 10. Warning to Believers | God sees all | Galatians 6:7 |
