5334. phasis
Lexical Summary
phasis: Appearance, Manifestation

Original Word: φάσις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: phasis
Pronunciation: FAH-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (fas'-is)
KJV: tidings
NASB: report
Word Origin: [from G5346 (φημί - said) (not the same as "phase", which is from G5316 (φαίνω - appeared))]

1. a saying, i.e. report

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
tidings.

From phemi (not the same as "phase", which is from phaino); a saying, i.e. Report -- tidings.

see GREEK phemi

see GREEK phaino

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from phémi
Definition
information, a report
NASB Translation
report (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5334: φάσις

φάσις, φασεως, (from φαίνω);

1. in the Attic orators, "the exposure of (informing against) those who have embezzled the property of the state, or violated the laws respecting the importation or exportation of merchandise, or defrauded their wards".

2. universally, a disclosure of secret crime (κοινῶς δέ φασεις ἐκαλουντο πᾶσαι αἱ μηνυσεις τῶν λανθανοντων ἀδικημάτων, Pollux 8, 6, 47): Susanna, 55, Theod.; of information by report (A. V. tidings), Acts 21:31.

Topical Lexicon
Root Idea and Semantic Field

φάσις carries the sense of a spoken or transmitted “report,” “news,” or “public declaration.” In secular Greek it ranges from an authoritative statement to a circulating rumor. The single New Testament occurrence retains this breadth by denoting information that has traveled quickly and provoked decisive action.

Usage in Acts 21:31

“While they were trying to kill him, the report reached the commander of the Roman regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar” (Acts 21:31).

Here φάσις is the urgent notification delivered to the military tribune stationed at the Fortress Antonia. The word emphasizes:
• Speed – the intelligence spreads faster than the mob can finish its violence.
• Gravity – the content is serious enough to summon the highest-ranking officer present.
• Influence – a single report redirects the storyline, preserving Paul’s life and positioning him for subsequent testimony before rulers (Acts 22–26).

Historical Background

Jerusalem during the feast season was volatile. Rome maintained a cohort nearby precisely to quell disturbances. Roman military culture valued prompt, reliable reports; φάσις fits that milieu. Luke, as a meticulous historian, selects this term to signal how secular authority unexpectedly serves God’s providential purposes (compare Proverbs 21:1).

Theological Significance

1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Communication: The same God who commissions the “good news” (εὐαγγέλιον) can employ a secular φάσις to safeguard His messenger.
2. The Power of Testimony: Paul’s eventual address on the temple steps springs from the chain of events the report triggers. A single piece of intelligence opens national and international platforms for the gospel.
3. Contrast with Malicious Rumor: Scripture warns against destructive speech (Leviticus 19:16; Psalm 15:3; Romans 1:29–30). Luke’s account shows how truthful reporting can rescue, whereas lies inflame (Acts 21:28–29).

Parallels in the Hebrew Scriptures

The Septuagint uses cognate terms for “report” in passages like 2 Samuel 4:4 and Jeremiah 10:22, where news of tragedy or invasion moves kings and nations. φάσις in Acts echoes these Old Testament patterns: momentous reports that change destinies and reveal divine oversight.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Integrity in Communication: Believers are stewards of information. Accurate reporting can protect lives and reputations; careless gossip can destroy both.
• Discernment toward News: The commander verified the φάσις by immediate action. Likewise, pastors and congregations should test reports (1 Thessalonians 5:21) before reacting.
• Strategic Value of Timely Information: Mission work often turns on knowing the right fact at the right moment—flight schedules, civil unrest, policy changes. Acts 21:31 encourages attentiveness and readiness.

Interrelated New Testament Concepts

– Witness (μαρτυρία): Both involve conveying truth that demands response.

– Proclamation (κήρυγμα): Whereas φάσις can be secular or sacred, κήρυγμα is explicitly the heralding of God’s message.

– Rumor (ἀκοή, Matthew 24:6): Jesus foretells a flood of reports in the last days, underscoring the need for discernment.

Summary

φάσις, though appearing only once, illustrates the biblical theme that God works through everyday channels of news and report. He harnesses even military communications to advance the spread of the gospel and to protect His servants, urging believers to value truth, speed, and responsibility in all their speech.

Forms and Transliterations
φασις φάσις phasis phásis
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 21:31 N-NFS
GRK: ἀποκτεῖναι ἀνέβη φάσις τῷ χιλιάρχῳ
NAS: to kill him, a report came
KJV: him, tidings came
INT: to kill there came a report to the chief captain

Strong's Greek 5334
1 Occurrence


φάσις — 1 Occ.

5333
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