ἄλαλος (alalos)
alalos
mute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective alalos describes a state of being mute or speechless, specifically lacking the faculty of speech. Its etymology is straightforward: it combines a negative prefix with the root for "speech" or "voice," literally meaning "not speaking." This distinguishes it from words that might imply silence by choice; alalos denotes an inability to articulate.
In the New Testament, this term appears only three times, all within the Gospel of Mark. It characterizes individuals whose physical condition prevents them from communicating, such as the boy possessed by a mute spirit (Mark 9:17, 25) and the man who was deaf and had a speech impediment (Mark 7:37). The sources note that this word parallels the Hebrew illem found in Psalms 31 and 38, where it similarly describes those unable to speak due to affliction or distress.
Translators typically render alalos as "mute" or "dumb," though the latter can carry unintended modern connotations. The term highlights a physical limitation rather than a spiritual or moral failing. In Mark’s narrative, these instances serve as concrete examples of human vulnerability, setting the stage for Jesus’ authority to restore both hearing and speech.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word alalos describes a person who cannot speak due to a physical condition or spiritual oppression. In Mark’s Gospel, it highlights human vulnerability rather than moral failure. When Jesus encounters those unable to voice their needs, He does not dismiss them as broken or beyond help.
Instead, He restores their ability to communicate, showing that no limitation is too great for His power. Whether the silence comes from illness or distress, Jesus brings freedom and wholeness. This reminds us that God sees our struggles and cares about our deepest needs.
In moments when we feel silenced by pain or fear, this word offers hope. It points to a Savior who listens even when we cannot speak, and who restores what seems lost. His grace meets us in our weakness and brings healing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mute.1×
- mute1×
- Mute1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄλαλον.1×
- ἄλαλον1×
- ἀλάλους1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 7:37
They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak!”
This verse summarizes Jesus’ ministry by linking the restoration of hearing and speech, showing that He heals both physical and social isolation.
-
Mark 9:17
One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit;
Here the term describes a boy under spiritual oppression, illustrating how silence can result from demonic influence rather than just physical illness.
-
Mark 9:25
When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!”
Jesus directly commands the 'mute and deaf spirit,' demonstrating His authority over both physical conditions and unseen spiritual forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does alalos mean in the Bible?
How is alalos different from other words for silence?
Why does Mark use this word three times?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Mark 3 verses
They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear and the mute…
Mark 9:17One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit;
Mark 9:25When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf…