ἄφωνος (aphōnos)
aphōnos
mute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective aphōnos describes something that is mute, voiceless, or lacking the capacity for speech. Derived from a negative prefix and the word for "voice," it literally means "without sound." In Scripture, this term is applied to several distinct subjects, ranging from living beings to inanimate objects.
Its usage varies significantly by context. It describes the suffering servant who remains silent before his accusers (Acts 8:32), highlighting a voluntary or circumstantial quietness. It characterizes idols as powerless entities incapable of speaking (1 Corinthians 12:2) and false teachers who lead people astray like mute beasts (2 Peter 2:12). In another instance, Paul uses it metaphorically to urge believers to understand languages clearly, contrasting unintelligible speech with meaningful communication (1 Corinthians 14:9).
This word underscores the biblical theme that true power and truth are expressed through clear, purposeful voice. Whether describing the silence of innocence, the emptiness of idols, or the confusion of misunderstood tongues, aphōnos marks a state where communication fails or is withheld.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphōnos simply means mute or voiceless, describing a state where speech is absent. In Scripture, this silence takes many forms. It can be the voluntary quiet of the suffering servant in Acts 8:32, who did not defend Himself against false charges. It also describes the empty idols of old that cannot speak back to their worshippers, as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 12:2.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that true power does not always shout. Sometimes God’s truth is found in patient silence, trusting Him to act. Other times, it warns against following voices that have no substance or divine origin. Whether you are facing a situation where you must remain quiet or seeking clarity in communication, remember that God hears even when words fail.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mute2×
- without meaning;1×
- [is] silent,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄφωνος,1×
- ἄφωνον·1×
- ἄφωνον1×
- ἄφωνα1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 8:32
Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth.
This verse applies the concept of silence to Jesus, showing His voluntary submission and lack of self-defense during His passion.
-
I Corinthians 12:2
You know that when you were heathen, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led.
Here the term describes idols as entirely powerless entities that cannot respond or offer any real guidance to those who serve them.
-
II Peter 2:16
but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A speechless donkey spoke with a man’s voice and stopped the madness of the prophet.
Peter uses this word ironically for Balaam’s donkey, highlighting that even a mute animal could speak with divine authority when the prophet refused to listen.