5346. phémi
Lexical Summary
phémi: To say, to affirm, to assert

Original Word: φημί
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: phémi
Pronunciation: fay-MEE
Phonetic Spelling: (fay-mee')
KJV: affirm, say
NASB: said, say, says, claim, mean, replied, stated
Word Origin: [(properly) the same as the base of G5457 (φῶς - light) and G5316 (φαίνω - appeared)]

1. to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. speak or say

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
affirm, say.

Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say -- affirm, say. Compare lego.

see GREEK phos

see GREEK phaino

see GREEK lego

HELPS Word-studies

5346 phēmí (from phaō, "shine") – properly, bring to light by asserting one statement (point of view) over another; to speak comparatively, i.e. making effective contrasts which illuminate (literally, "produce an epiphany").

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from a prim. root pha-
Definition
to declare, say
NASB Translation
claim (1), mean (1), replied (1), said (57), say (4), says (2), stated (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5346: φημί

φημί; imperfect ἔφην; (from φάω, to bring forth into the light (cf. Curtius, § 407)); hence (from Homer down) properly, to make known one's thoughts, to declare; to say: ἔφη, he said (once on a time), Matthew 26:61; historical writers, in quoting the words of anyone, prefix φησίν, ἔφη (Latinait, inquit): Luke 22:58; Acts 8:36, and often: φησίν and ἔφη are used of a person replying, Matthew 13:29; Luke 7:40; John 1:23; John 9:38; Acts 7:2, etc.; of one who asks a question, Matthew 27:23; Acts 16:30; Acts 21:37; ἔφη μεγάλη τῇ φωνή, Acts 26:24; ἀποκριθείς ἔφη, Matthew 8:8; (φησίν is interjected into the recorded speech of another (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 61, 6), Matthew 14:8; Acts 25:5, 22; Acts 26:25; also ἔφη, Acts 23:35; φησίν, like the Latinait, inquit, is employed especially in the later Greek usage with an indefinite subject (`impersonally') (cf.man sagt, on dit, they say) (inserted in a sentence containing the words of another (cf. Winer's Grammar, as above)): 2 Corinthians 10:10 where L Tr marginal reading WH marginal reading φασίν (cf. Passow, ii, p. 2238a; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, II. 1); Buttmann, § 129, 19; (Winer's Grammar, § 58, 9{b}. β.; § 64, 3)). φησίν namely, Θεός, 1 Corinthians 6:16 (here Lachmann brackets φησίν); Hebrews 8:5; (Winer's Grammar, 522 (486f)). The constructions of the verb are the following: ἔφη αὐτῷ, αὐτοῖς, he replied to him, to them, Matthew 4:7; Matthew 13:28; Matthew 21:27, etc.; Mark ( T Tr text WH); ; Luke 7:44; Acts 26:32; ἀποκριθείς αὐτῷ ἔφη, Luke 23:3; ἔφη πρός τινα, Luke 22:70; Acts 10:28; Acts 16:37; Acts 26:1; with an accusative of the thing, 1 Corinthians 10:15, 19; followed by ὅτι, 1 Corinthians 10:19; τοῦτο etc. ὅτι, 1 Corinthians 7:29 (Rec.bez elz; others omit ὅτι); 1 Corinthians 15:50; followed by an accusative with an infinitive, Romans 3:8. (On its alleged omission, see Winer's Grammar, § 64, 7 a. Compare: σύμφημι.)

STRONGS NT 5346a: φημίζωφημίζω: 1 aorist passive 3 person singular ἐφημισθη; especially frequent in the poets from Hesiod down; to spread a report, to disseminate by report: Matthew 28:15 T WH marginal reading (after manuscripts א, Delta, 33, etc.) for διαφημίζω, which see

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 5346 occurs sixty-six times in the New Testament and consistently conveys a deliberate verbal response or declaration. Whether translated “said,” “replied,” “assert,” “confess,” or “mean,” the verb marks a statement that is purposeful and often decisive. It stands alongside λέγω (“to speak”) and ἀποκρίνομαι (“to answer”), yet differs by emphasizing the speaker’s resolved assertion rather than the mere act of talking or the exchange in conversation.

Narrative Use in the Gospels

The Synoptic writers employ the term to punctuate climactic turns in dialogue.
• Matthew repeatedly places ἔφη on Jesus’ lips when He cites Scripture in conflict with Satan (Matthew 4:7), interprets parables (Matthew 13:28), or delivers verdicts such as the commendation of the faithful servants: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’” (Matthew 25:21).
• Mark highlights pivotal confessions—Peter’s insistence of loyalty (Mark 14:29) and the rich young ruler’s claim of obedience (Mark 10:20).
• Luke records the verb at moments of moral awakening, as in the prodigal’s self-talk: “How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare...” (Luke 15:17).

Here the verb intensifies the gravity of each utterance, distinguishing solemn Scripture quotation, authoritative interpretation, or heartfelt resolve from ordinary speech.

Johannine Precision

John employs φημί to identify statements bearing witness to Jesus’ identity. John the Baptist’s self-designation—“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness” (John 1:23)—is set off by ἔφη, underscoring the prophetic certainty behind the citation of Isaiah. Likewise, Pilate’s inquiry, “Are You the King of the Jews?” (John 18:29), uses the present form φησί(ν) to frame a judicial examination whose answer has eternal implications.

Legal and Judicial Settings in Acts

Luke the historian turns to ἔφη and φησί(ν) when narrating courtroom exchanges:
• Paul before the Areopagus: “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious” (Acts 17:22).
• Festus’ cry that Paul is out of his mind (Acts 26:24) and Paul’s calm rebuttal (Acts 26:25).

The verb accents sworn testimony and formal decrees, reminding readers that gospel proclamation engages public forums and withstands legal scrutiny.

Parabolic and Didactic Contexts

Jesus’ parables include inner dialogue marked by φημί, showing how thinking before God is accountable speech. The landowner instructs his servants (Matthew 13:29), Herodias’ daughter petitions for John’s head (Matthew 14:8), and Simon the Pharisee answers the Lord’s probing question (Luke 7:43, implied). These occurrences teach that what the heart “says” shapes destiny.

Pauline Logical Assertions

Paul, a trained rhetorician, uses the present indicative φημί to advance an argument or anticipate an objection.
• “Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, ‘Let us do evil that good may result’?” (Romans 3:8).
• “What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short” (1 Corinthians 7:29).
• “I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say” (1 Corinthians 10:15).

The verb flags a reasoned proposition open to verification by Scripture and conscience.

Hebrews and the Heavenly Pattern

Only once in Hebrews, but the placement is strategic: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain” (Hebrews 8:5). By choosing φησί(ν) the author stresses the abiding authority of the divine directive given to Moses, thereby bolstering the epistle’s argument for a superior, heavenly priesthood.

Distinctive Features

1. Assertive Force: Unlike λέγω, φημί rarely introduces casual chatter; it signals a settled stance.
2. Representative Speech: Frequently cites Scripture or summarizes doctrine, indicating the speaker acts as a mouthpiece for a higher authority or a firmly held conviction.
3. Present Tense Emphasis: The literary present φησί(ν) allows the writer to bring past dialogue into the reader’s “now,” creating immediacy.

Historical Background

In classical Greek the verb functioned in legal and philosophical discourse—statements of law, oaths, and axioms. The Septuagint borrowed it for prophetic proclamations (“Thus says the Lord”), preparing Jewish readers to associate φημί with authoritative utterance. The New Testament writers inherit this weightiness, applying it to Christ and His witnesses.

Ministry Implications

• Preaching: Identify φημί to highlight theological hinges in a passage—the moment a truth is asserted or a verdict rendered.
• Counseling: Show how internal dialogue (Luke 15:17) precedes repentance; encourage believers to align their “self-talk” with Scriptural truth.
• Apologetics: Observe in Acts how φημί frames courtroom testimony; model a reasoned, respectful defense of the faith.
• Exposition: Contrast φημί with λέγω in a text to uncover layers of meaning—why does the Spirit mark certain words as authoritative claims?

Selected Passages for Further Study

Matthew 26:34; Mark 9:12; Luke 23:40; Acts 2:38; Acts 19:35; 1 Corinthians 15:50; 2 Corinthians 10:10.

Doctrinal Connections

The verb underscores that revelation comes through spoken words grounded in God’s character and purposes. When Scripture “says,” God speaks; when Jesus “replies,” divine authority confronts human need; when apostles “assert,” the Spirit bears witness. Thus φημί serves as a subtle yet persistent reminder that the gospel is not speculation but declaration.

Forms and Transliterations
εἶπεν εφη έφη ἔφη έφης φάμενος φασί φασιν φασίν φημι φημί φησι φησί φησιν φησίν eipen eîpen ephe ephē éphe éphē phasin phasín phemi phemí phēmi phēmí phesin phesín phēsin phēsín
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 4:7 V-II-3S
GRK: ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ
NAS: Jesus said to him, On the other hand,
KJV: Jesus said unto him, It is written
INT: Said to him

Matthew 8:8 V-II-3S
GRK: ὁ ἑκατόνταρχος ἔφη Κύριε οὐκ
NAS: But the centurion said, Lord, I am
KJV: answered and said, Lord, I am
INT: the centurion said Lord not

Matthew 13:28 V-II-3S
GRK: ὁ δὲ ἔφη αὐτοῖς Ἐχθρὸς
NAS: And he said to them, 'An enemy
KJV: He said unto them, An enemy
INT: moreover he said to them an enemy

Matthew 13:29 V-PI-3S
GRK: ὁ δέ φησιν Οὔ μή
NAS: But he said, 'No;
KJV: But he said, Nay; lest
INT: moreover he said No not

Matthew 14:8 V-PI-3S
GRK: Δός μοι φησίν ὧδε ἐπὶ
NAS: by her mother, she said, Give
KJV: her mother, said, Give me
INT: Give me she says here upon

Matthew 17:26 V-II-3S
GRK: τῶν ἀλλοτρίων ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ
NAS: When Peter said, From strangers,
KJV: strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then
INT: the strangers said to him

Matthew 19:21 V-II-3S
GRK: ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ
NAS: Jesus said to him, If you wish
KJV: Jesus said unto him, If
INT: Said to him

Matthew 21:27 V-II-3S
GRK: Οὐκ οἴδαμεν ἔφη αὐτοῖς καὶ
NAS: He also said to them, Neither
KJV: And he said unto them, Neither
INT: not We know Said to them also

Matthew 22:37 V-II-3S
GRK: ὁ δὲ ἔφη αὐτῷ Ἀγαπήσεις
NAS: And He said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE
INT: moreover he said to him You will love [the]

Matthew 25:21 V-II-3S
GRK: ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ
NAS: His master said to him, 'Well done,
KJV: His lord said unto him, Well done,
INT: said to him the

Matthew 25:23 V-II-3S
GRK: ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ
NAS: His master said to him, 'Well done,
KJV: His lord said unto him, Well done,
INT: Said to him the

Matthew 26:34 V-II-3S
GRK: ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ
NAS: Jesus said to him, Truly I say
KJV: Jesus said unto him, Verily
INT: Said to him

Matthew 26:61 V-II-3S
GRK: εἶπαν Οὗτος ἔφη Δύναμαι καταλῦσαι
NAS: This man stated, I am able
KJV: This [fellow] said, I am able
INT: said This [man] said I am able to destroy

Matthew 27:11 V-II-3S
GRK: δὲ Ἰησοῦς ἔφη Σὺ λέγεις
NAS: And Jesus said to him, [It is as] you say.
KJV: And Jesus said unto him, Thou
INT: moreover Jesus said You say

Matthew 27:23 V-II-3S
GRK: ὁ δὲ ἔφη Τί γὰρ
NAS: And he said, Why, what
KJV: And the governor said, Why, what
INT: moreover he said What indeed

Matthew 27:65 V-II-3S
GRK: ἔφη αὐτοῖς ὁ
NAS: Pilate said to them, You have
KJV: Pilate said unto them, Ye have
INT: said to them

Mark 9:12 V-II-3S
GRK: ὁ δὲ ἔφη αὐτοῖς Ἠλίας
NAS: And He said to them, Elijah
INT: and he said to them Elijah

Mark 9:38 V-II-3S
GRK: Ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ
NAS: John said to Him, Teacher, we saw
INT: answered him

Mark 10:20 V-II-3S
GRK: ὁ δὲ ἔφη αὐτῷ Διδάσκαλε
NAS: And he said to Him, Teacher,
INT: moreover he said to him Teacher

Mark 10:29 V-II-3S
GRK: ἔφη ὁ Ἰησοῦς
NAS: Jesus said, Truly I say
INT: said Jesus

Mark 12:24 V-II-3S
GRK: ἔφη αὐτοῖς ὁ
NAS: Jesus said to them, Is this
INT: said to them

Mark 14:29 V-II-3S
GRK: δὲ Πέτρος ἔφη αὐτῷ Εἰ
NAS: But Peter said to Him, [Even] though
KJV: But Peter said unto him, Although
INT: and Peter said to him if

Luke 7:40 V-PI-3S
GRK: Διδάσκαλε εἰπέ φησίν
NAS: to say to you. And he replied, Say
KJV: And he saith, Master,
INT: Teacher say [it] he says

Luke 7:44 V-II-3S
GRK: τῷ Σίμωνι ἔφη Βλέπεις ταύτην
NAS: the woman, He said to Simon,
KJV: the woman, and said unto Simon,
INT: to Simon he said see you this

Luke 15:17 V-II-3S
GRK: δὲ ἐλθὼν ἔφη Πόσοι μίσθιοι
NAS: to his senses, he said, 'How many
INT: but having come he said How many hired servants

Strong's Greek 5346
66 Occurrences


ἔφη — 43 Occ.
φασίν — 1 Occ.
φημι — 4 Occ.
φησιν — 18 Occ.

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