ἐφφαθά (ephphatha)
ephphatha
open!
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word ephphatha is a direct Aramaic command meaning "be opened." It appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Mark 7:34, where Jesus heals a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. Instead of translating the term into Greek for his audience, the Gospel writer preserves the original language spoken by Jesus.
This usage highlights the personal and immediate nature of the miracle. By using an Aramaic imperative, the text emphasizes that the healing power came directly from Jesus’ voice. The command targets both the ears and the mouth, restoring the man’s ability to hear and speak clearly. It serves as a vivid example of how Jesus engaged with individuals in their own linguistic context.
The preservation of this foreign word in an otherwise Greek text draws attention to the specific moment of healing. It reminds readers that the authority behind the miracle was not bound by language barriers. The term stands as a unique marker in the Gospel narrative, pointing to the tangible and audible nature of Jesus’ restorative power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ephphatha appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Mark 7:34. It is an Aramaic command meaning "be opened." Jesus used this specific word when healing a man who was deaf and had difficulty speaking. By preserving the original language instead of translating it into Greek, the Gospel writer highlights the personal and immediate nature of this miracle.
This moment reminds us that Jesus engages with individuals in their own context. His power is not bound by language barriers or social boundaries. The command targets both hearing and speech, restoring the man’s ability to connect with others. It stands as a vivid example of tangible restoration.
For your faith, this word offers hope when you feel blocked or unable to communicate. It invites you to trust in Jesus’ authority over every area of life that feels closed off. His voice brings freedom and clarity, inviting you into deeper relationship with Him and others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ephphatha!1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εφφαθα,1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 7:34
Looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!”
This is the sole occurrence of ephphatha in the New Testament, where Jesus uses the Aramaic command to heal a deaf and mute man, preserving the original language to emphasize the immediacy of His power.