Pronunciation: [ˈaphiə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "apphia" is not a common one. It is pronounced as /æfjə/ (af-yuh) and is a variation of the Greek name "Apphian". The "ph" in the word is pronounced as an "f" sound, which is a result of the letter "phi" being used in the original Greek script. Some people may spell the name as "Aphia" or "Afia", but the correct spelling should be based on its original Greek form, "Apphia".
Apphia is a noun that primarily refers to a biblical character mentioned in the New Testament. According to the Book of Philemon, Apphia is described as a woman residing in Colossae, Asia Minor, during the 1st century AD. She is specifically addressed in the opening lines of the letter, alongside Philemon, who is assumed to be her husband. Although the exact relationship between Apphia and Philemon is not explicitly mentioned, it is widely believed that she was his wife or perhaps a close family member.
Due to the limited information available about Apphia, her significance in the biblical narrative is not extensively explored. Nonetheless, scholars consider the letter in which she is mentioned as an influential text in the early Christian tradition. The letter, written by the apostle Paul, concerned a request for the forgiveness and acceptance of Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul also mentions Apphia as part of the intended audience for his plea, implying her potential involvement in the resolution of this matter.
Outside of the biblical context, the name "Apphia" does not have significant usage or recognition. It is primarily known for its biblical connotations and the association with the character mentioned in the Book of Philemon.
