Lexical Summary anoixis: Opening Original Word: ἄνοιξις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance an openingFrom anoigo; opening (throat) -- X open. see GREEK anoigo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anoigó Definition an opening NASB Translation opening (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 457: ἄνοιξιςἄνοιξις, ἀνοιξεως, ἡ (ἀνοίγω, which see), an opening: ἐν ἀνοίξει τοῦ στόματος μου as often as I open my month to speak, Ephesians 6:19. (Thucydides 4, 68, 4; τῶν πυλών, id. 4, 67, 3; χειλων, Plutarch, mor. (symp. 1. ix. quaest. 2, 3), p. 788 c.) Topical Lexicon Key Idea ἄνοιξις (anoixis) depicts the God–enabled “opening” of the mouth so that speech aligns with His purposes. Although the noun itself occurs only once (Ephesians 6:19), its theological footprint extends across Scripture through the repeated pattern of the Lord granting His servants bold, Spirit-empowered utterance. Biblical Occurrence • Ephesians 6:19 — Paul requests prayer “that words may be given to me in opening of my mouth to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel”. Here ἄνοιξις focuses on the decisive moment when God turns ordinary speech into inspired testimony. The verb “may be given” underscores that this opening is not self-generated but a divine provision. Theological Significance 1. Divine Initiative God Himself “opens” the human mouth for proclamation. The psalmist pleaded, “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise” (Psalm 51:15). Paul echoes the same dependence: even an apostle cannot speak effectively unless the Lord first “opens” his mouth. 2. Spirit-Empowered Boldness In Ephesians the “opening” is linked to παρρησία (“boldness,” verse 20). Throughout Acts, the Spirit repeatedly grants bold speech (Acts 4:31; Acts 13:46). ἄνοιξις therefore points to a Spirit-wrought freedom from fear and a readiness to declare Christ regardless of opposition. 3. Gospel Centrality The content of the opened mouth is “the mystery of the gospel.” The term “mystery” (Ephesians 3:3-6) stresses revelation that once was hidden but now is manifest. ἄνοιξις serves as the hinge between divine revelation and human proclamation. 4. Missional Necessity The church’s mission advances whenever God opens a mouth: Philip with the Ethiopian (Acts 8:35), Peter in Caesarea (Acts 10:34), Paul in the synagogue (Acts 13:16). Each scene mirrors Ephesians 6:19—divine enablement precedes effective witness. Old Testament Background • Exodus 4:10-12 — Moses protests, “I am slow of speech,” but God replies, “I will open your mouth.” These passages establish a prophetic pattern: the messenger’s authority stems from God’s act of opening the mouth. New Testament Parallels • Luke 1:64 — Zacharias’s mouth “was opened” and he blessed God. Historical and Ministry Significance Early church leaders interpreted ἄνοιξις as evidence of the Spirit’s ongoing activity. Chrysostom observed that Paul, though eloquent, still sought prayer, proving that “human skill is nothing unless the grace of God open the mouth.” During the Reformation, preachers cited Ephesians 6:19 before sermons, confessing dependence on divine enablement. For modern ministry: Related Themes • Boldness (Acts 4:13; Hebrews 4:16) Conclusion ἄνοιξις stands as a concise yet profound reminder that every faithful gospel word is birthed, sustained, and empowered by the God who opens mouths for His glory. Forms and Transliterations ανοιξει ανοίξει ἀνοίξει ανομεί ανόμημα ανόμημά ανομήματα ανομήσαι ανομήσετε ανομήσητε ανομήσωσιν ανομίας ανομούντες ανομών ηνόμησα ηνομήσαμεν ηνόμησαν ηνόμησας ηνομήσατε ηνόμησε ηνόμησεν ηνόμουν anoixei anoíxeiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 6:19 N-DFSGRK: λόγος ἐν ἀνοίξει τοῦ στόματός NAS: may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, INT: utterance in [the] opening of the mouth |
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