Lexical Summary diastéma: Interval, space, distance Original Word: διάστημα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance space. From diistemi; an interval -- space. see GREEK diistemi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom diistémi Definition an interval NASB Translation interval (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1292: διάστημαδιάστημα, διαστήματος, τό ((διαστῆναι)), an interval, distance; space of time: ὡς ὡρῶν τριῶν διάστημα, Acts 5:7 ((ἐκ πολλοῦ διαστήματος, Aristotle, de audib., p. 800{b}, 5 etc.); τετραετες δδιαστημα Polybius 9, 1, 1; (σύμπας ὁ χρόνος ἡμερῶν καί νυκτῶν ἐστι διάστημα, Philo, alleg. leg. i. § 2 etc., see Siegfried under the word, p. 66)). Topical Lexicon Biblical occurrence and narrative context The single appearance of διάστημα is found in Acts 5:7, where Luke notes “an interval of about three hours” separating the death of Ananias from the arrival of his wife, Sapphira. The word marks a chronological gap that heightens the dramatic tension of the account and underscores apostolic discernment in the early Jerusalem church. By specifying the span of time rather than letting the narrative flow uninterrupted, Luke invites readers to reflect on the certainty of divine justice, the patience of God, and the inevitability of truth being revealed. Emphasis on divine timing Scripture consistently portrays the living God as Lord over clocks and calendars. The interval in Acts 5:7 is therefore more than a narrative detail; it testifies that the unfolding of events in the life of the church operates on a divinely governed schedule. Similar theological patterns emerge elsewhere: The “three hours” allowed Sapphira every opportunity to come forward in repentance. The lapse magnifies her accountability while exalting God’s longsuffering character (2 Peter 3:9). Purity and fear in the early church Luke’s emphasis on the interval amplifies the moral shock that struck the congregation. Immediately after recording the deaths, he writes, “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events” (Acts 5:11). The gap between the couple’s separate confrontations reinforces the principle that each believer stands individually before God. The episode becomes a paradigm for church discipline, showing that purity is preserved not by communal anonymity but by personal integrity. Apostolic authority confirmed Peter’s prophetic insight bridges the time gap: he discerns the same deceit in Sapphira that had already felled Ananias. The interval authenticates apostolic authority by demonstrating that the Spirit reveals hidden realities independent of human reports. Thus, διάστημα contributes to Luke’s larger apologetic for the reliability of apostolic witness (Acts 2:32; Acts 4:33). Pastoral and ministry implications 1. The stewardship of time. Ananias and Sapphira misused their season of opportunity. Believers are exhorted to “redeem the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). Historical reflections Patristic writers such as Chrysostom drew attention to the three-hour gap to illustrate God’s patience and the church’s uncompromising stance on honesty. Throughout history, reform movements have cited Acts 5 to call believers back to transparent generosity. Whether in monastic rules or modern accountability structures, the principle endures: the timing of divine exposure cannot be evaded. Related scriptural motifs • Waiting as a test of faith (Psalm 27:14; James 5:7-8). Conclusion Though διάστημα occurs only once, its strategic placement in Acts 5:7 magnifies themes central to the life of the church: the sovereignty of God over time, the necessity of personal integrity, and the certainty that concealed sin will come to light. The three-hour interval stands as a solemn reminder that every moment granted by God is both a gift and a summons to faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations διαστημα διάστημα διάστηματα διαστήματος διαστημάτων diastema diastēma diástema diástēmaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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