Acts 5:7
And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
Original Language Analysis
γεγονὸς
it was
G1096
γεγονὸς
it was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὡς
about
G5613
ὡς
about
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ
when
G2532
καὶ
when
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰδυῖα
knowing
G1492
εἰδυῖα
knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
12 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Three hours allowed rumors to spread in Jerusalem's compact quarters, yet apparently no one warned Sapphira - either from fear or divine restraint. Her arrival 'not knowing what was done' indicates supernatural prevention of normal information flow, isolating her for individual judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision of individual opportunity to repent demonstrate His justice?
- What does Sapphira's arrival 'not knowing' teach about each person's accountability before God?
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Analysis & Commentary
The temporal note - 'it was about the space of three hours after' - provided Sapphira opportunity to repent independently. She 'came in' ignorant of her husband's death, facing the same test he failed. The three-hour gap suggests neither premature warning nor insufficient time for reflection. God's timing gave her maximum opportunity while ensuring independent verification of conspiracy. This detail demonstrates divine fairness - both received identical opportunity to truth or maintain deception.