Illustration created for this project.

Ananias

A member of the Jerusalem church who, with his wife Sapphira, lied about a gift and fell dead.

Role: Member of the early church

Lived: 1st century

What we know — and how we know it

Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1 Ancient writers — non-biblical testimony · 1 Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 1

Life, role & deeds

Scan by NYPL — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons) Ancient writersIf this Ananias is Ananias son of Nedebaeus, the high priest before whom Paul was tried, he is well attested outside scripture: Josephus repeatedly names him as high priest (appointed c. 47 CE), describes his wealth and pro-Roman stance, and reports that he was killed by insurgents at the outbreak of the revolt in 66 CE. (This external evidence does NOT apply if the figure meant is Ananias the husband of Sapphira in Acts 5, for whom there is no external attestation.)

Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 20.5.2 (§103) and 20.9.2–4; Jewish War 2.17.9. Applies only under the identification with the high priest Ananias son of Nedebaeus.

Death & legacy

BibleWith his wife Sapphira he sold land but lied to the apostles about the price, and fell down dead — a warning to the young church.

Acts 5:1–6

↳ Simon Peter · Sapphira

Name & titles

ScholarlyAnanias (Greek Ananias) is the Hellenized form of the Hebrew name Hananiah, meaning "Yahweh has been gracious" or "Yahweh has shown favor." It was an extremely common Jewish name in the Second Temple period, which is one reason several distinct men named Ananias appear in the New Testament.

Standard onomastics: Hebrew חֲנַנְיָה (Ḥananyah), from ḥanan "to be gracious" + Yah (the divine name); see e.g. BDB / HALOT lexical entries.