Lexical Summary ephphatha: "Be opened." Original Word: ἐφφαθά Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ephphatha. Of Chaldee origin (pthach); be opened! -- Ephphatha. see HEBREW pthach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Aramaic origin pethach Definition be opened! NASB Translation Ephphatha (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2188: ἐφφαθάἐφφαθά, ephphatha, Aramaic אֶתְפָּתַח (the ethpaal imperative of the verb פְּתַח, Hebrew פָּתַח, to open), be thou opened (i. e. receive the power of hearing; the ears of the deaf and the eyes of the blind being considered as closed): Mark 7:34. (See Kautzsch, Gram. d. Biblical-Aram., p. 10.) Topical Lexicon Overview Ἐφφαθά appears once in the Greek New Testament and records the Aramaic command Jesus uttered during the healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment: “Ephphatha!”—“Be opened!” (Mark 7:34). Retaining the Aramaic term preserves the vividness of the moment and underscores the eyewitness character of the Gospel narrative. Biblical Occurrence Mark 7:34 stands alone in using this term, yet the event belongs to a larger pattern of miracles that reveal Jesus’ identity and authority. The single use heightens its impact, inviting readers to contemplate both the physical healing and its wider implications for spiritual hearing. Context in Mark 7:31-37 Jesus has just traveled through the Gentile regions of Tyre, Sidon, and the Decapolis. By opening the ears and loosening the tongue of a man presumably outside Israel’s mainstream, He demonstrates that His saving power extends beyond ethnic boundaries. The miracle follows a series of controversies about tradition (Mark 7:1-23) and a mercy shown to a Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30), setting “Ephphatha” amid themes of purity, inclusion, and divine compassion. Aramaic Expressions Preserved in the Gospels Alongside Talitha koum (Mark 5:41), Abba (Mark 14:36), Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani (Mark 15:34), and Maranatha (1 Corinthians 16:22), Ephphatha highlights Jesus’ everyday spoken language. Each preserved Aramaic cry appears in moments of intense emotion, thereby anchoring the Gospel record in historical realism and reinforcing the authenticity of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of Messiahship: Isaiah foretold that in the messianic age “the ears of the deaf will be unstopped” (Isaiah 35:5). By commanding “Be opened,” Jesus fulfills this prophetic expectation, confirming Him as the promised Messiah. Relation to Messianic Prophecy Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah 35:5-6; and Isaiah 42:6-7 all promise that the Servant will open blind eyes and deaf ears. Ephphatha serves as a direct enactment of those promises, affirming the coherence of Old and New Testament revelation. Implications for Ministry • Proclamation: Preaching on Ephphatha calls hearers to ask the Lord to open their spiritual ears (Psalm 40:6; Revelation 2:7). Historical and Cultural Background First-century healers often resorted to elaborate rituals, yet Jesus acts with unparalleled simplicity, accentuating the contrast between divine power and human superstition. His upward glance acknowledges the Father, situating the miracle within Trinitarian harmony. Applications in Worship and Preaching • Use Mark 7:34-35 as a call to worship, focusing on receptive hearts. See Also Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 42:6-7; Psalm 119:18; Matthew 11:4-6; Acts 16:14; Revelation 2:7. Forms and Transliterations εφφαθα εφφαθά Ἐφφαθά Ephphatha EphphatháLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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