Lexical Summary phémi: To say, to affirm, to assert Original Word: φημί 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 Originfrom 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: φημίφημί; 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, ὁ 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 ( 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 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. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 4:7 V-II-3SGRK: 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 Matthew 13:28 V-II-3S Matthew 13:29 V-PI-3S Matthew 14:8 V-PI-3S Matthew 17:26 V-II-3S Matthew 19:21 V-II-3S Matthew 21:27 V-II-3S Matthew 22:37 V-II-3S Matthew 25:21 V-II-3S Matthew 25:23 V-II-3S Matthew 26:34 V-II-3S Matthew 26:61 V-II-3S Matthew 27:11 V-II-3S Matthew 27:23 V-II-3S Matthew 27:65 V-II-3S Mark 9:12 V-II-3S Mark 9:38 V-II-3S Mark 10:20 V-II-3S Mark 10:29 V-II-3S Mark 12:24 V-II-3S Mark 14:29 V-II-3S Luke 7:40 V-PI-3S Luke 7:44 V-II-3S Luke 15:17 V-II-3S Strong's Greek 5346 |
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