Lexical Summary apophtheggomai: To speak out, declare, or utter Original Word: ἀποφθέγγομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance say, speak forth, utterFrom apo and phtheggomai; to enunciate plainly, i.e. Declare -- say, speak forth, utterance. see GREEK apo see GREEK phtheggomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and phtheggomai Definition to speak forth NASB Translation declared (1), utter (1), utterance (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 669: ἀποφθέγγομαιἀποφθέγγομαι; 1 aorist ἀπεφθεγξαμην; to speak out, speak forth, pronounce, not a word of everyday speech, but one "belonging to dignified and elevated discourse, like the Latinprofari,pronuntiare; properly it has the force of to utter or declare oneself, give one's opinion (einenAusspruchthun), and is used not only of prophets (see Kypke on Acts 2:4 — adding from the Sept. Ezekiel 13:9; Micah 5:12; 1 Chronicles 25:1), but also of wise men and philosophers (Diag. Laërtius 1, 63; 73; 79; whose pointed sayings the Greeks call ἀποφθέγματα, Cicero, off. 1, 29)"; (see φθέγγομαι). Accordingly, "it is used of the utterances of the Christians, and especially Peter, on that illustrious day of Pentecost after they had been fired by the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:4, 14; and also of the disclosures made by Paul to (before) king Agrippa concerning the ἀποκάλυψις κυρίου that had been given him, Acts 26:25." Winer's De verb. comp. etc. Part iv., p. 16. Topical Lexicon Utterance That Bears WitnessStrong’s Greek 669 describes a kind of speech that carries weight, clarity, and divine sanction. It is more than casual conversation; it is articulate proclamation that presses the hearer to reckon with truth. Whether birthed by the Holy Spirit or offered in sober self-defense, this term marks speech that demands attention because it conveys God’s agenda rather than human opinion. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Acts 2:4 Each appearance is set in a decisive moment when the gospel moves forward through Spirit-guided words. Pentecost: Spirit-Empowered Proclamation (Acts 2:4) On the Day of Pentecost “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4). The word underscores that the disciples’ speech was not random or ecstatic noise but intelligible testimony directed by the Spirit. Joel’s prophecy—“I will pour out My Spirit on all people” (Acts 2:17)—is fulfilled as ordinary Galileans become heralds of God’s mighty works to the nations gathered in Jerusalem. The term reminds the church that authentic Pentecostal experience always points outward in intelligible witness to Christ. Peter’s Bold Address (Acts 2:14) “Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd” (Acts 2:14). The fisherman who once denied the Lord now speaks with apostolic authority. His utterance explains the miracle, confronts sin, recounts salvation history, and calls for repentance (Acts 2:22-38). This illustrates how Spirit-given utterance equips believers to interpret events biblically and present Christ with persuasive force. Paul’s Reasoned Defense (Acts 26:25) “I am speaking words of truth and sobriety” (Acts 26:25). Before Festus and Agrippa, Paul’s speech is rational and restrained, the opposite of the “great learning” that Festus labels madness (Acts 26:24). The term signals measured, coherent argumentation anchored in revealed truth. Here the gospel holds its ground in the public square, showing that Spirit-guided utterance is compatible with rigorous reasoning. Old Testament Resonance In the Septuagint the verb often translates Hebrew expressions for prophetic or solemn speech (for example, Numbers 24:3-4; Micah 5:1). The continuity suggests that, from Balaam to the apostles, God’s messengers have been distinguished by speech that originates with Him, not with themselves. Theological Significance 1. Revelation: God reveals Himself through articulated words, not instinct or impression alone (Romans 10:17). Implications for Ministry • Preaching should be Spirit-dependent, Scripture-saturated, and audience-aware, echoing Peter’s example. Pastoral Reflection The verb reminds every believer that the Holy Spirit has not only come to indwell but also to vocalize. Whether in a pulpit, a courtroom, or a conversation over coffee, the people of God are called to speak out with clarity, courage, and conviction, trusting that the same Spirit who empowered the first witnesses still animates their words today. Forms and Transliterations απεφθεγξατο απεφθέγξατο ἀπεφθέγξατο αποφθεγγεσθαι αποφθέγγεσθαι ἀποφθέγγεσθαι αποφθεγγομαι αποφθέγγομαι ἀποφθέγγομαι αποφθεγγόμενοι αποφθεγγομένους απόφθεγμά αποφθέγματα αποφθέγξονται αποφοράν apephthenxato apephthénxato apophthengesthai apophthéngesthai apophthengomai apophthéngomaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 2:4 V-PNM/PGRK: πνεῦμα ἐδίδου ἀποφθέγγεσθαι αὐτοῖς NAS: was giving them utterance. KJV: gave them utterance. INT: Spirit gave to utter forth to them Acts 2:14 V-AIM-3S Acts 26:25 V-PIM/P-1S Strong's Greek 669 |
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