φάσις (phasis)
phasis
news
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phasis refers to a formal report or disclosure, specifically one that exposes wrongdoing such as fraud or embezzlement. In classical Greek usage, it described the act of informing against those who had violated laws regarding state property or trade regulations. This sense of official accusation carries into the New Testament, where it appears in Acts 21:31.
Here, the word describes the sudden outcry from the crowd in Jerusalem, which was essentially a public denunciation or report of disorder against Paul. The term highlights the serious nature of the charge being made, moving beyond simple gossip to a formal allegation of criminal behavior. Its root relates to making something known or visible, emphasizing the exposure of hidden crimes.
Because it occurs only once in the New Testament, its meaning is anchored firmly in this context of legal or civic accusation. Translators often render it as "shout" or "outcry," capturing the urgent and accusatory tone of the event. The word serves as a reminder that early Christian conflicts often involved serious public charges rather than mere theological disagreements.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word translated as 'news' here carries a heavy weight. It is not the happy update we share over coffee, but a formal outcry exposing disorder. In Acts 21, this term captures the sudden, public accusation against Paul that threatened his life. It reminds us that following Christ can sometimes invite serious legal charges and public hostility.
When you face false reports or unfair criticism, remember that your standing before God is secure. Human accusations may rise quickly, but they cannot shake the truth of who you are in Christ. This word shows that even in moments of intense conflict, God remains sovereign over the outcome.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a report1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φάσις1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:31
As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
This verse uses the term to describe a formal public outcry accusing Paul of disorder, highlighting the serious legal nature of the charge rather than simple gossip.