φάσκω (phaskō)
phaskō
to claim
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phaskō means to state something as a fact or to assert it openly. It carries the force of claiming that something is true, often in response to an inquiry or accusation. In the New Testament, this word appears sparingly, occurring only three times, primarily within the narrative of Acts and once in Romans.
In Acts 24:9, the verb describes how the Jewish opponents affirmed Paul’s guilt before the governor Felix. Similarly, in Acts 25:19, it records that the accusers were unable to substantiate their serious charges against him. These instances highlight phaskō as a tool of legal or formal declaration rather than casual speech.
Romans 1:22 uses the word to describe those who claim to be wise but become foolish. Here, it underscores the gap between self-perception and reality. The sources note its grammatical flexibility, appearing with an accusative and infinitive construction to report what someone says they do or believe.
Etymologically, phaskō is related to the word for "word" (rhēma), suggesting a connection to spoken assertion. While it lacks the emotional weight of words like love or fear, its theological significance lies in how it reveals human self-justification and the nature of testimony before God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phaskō simply means to claim or assert something as true. It appears only three times in the New Testament, often in legal or formal settings where people are stating their position clearly. In Acts, it describes how Paul’s accusers affirmed their charges against him, showing how words can be used to build a case or make a point before others.
Yet Romans 1:22 offers a deeper reflection on human nature. There, those who claim to be wise become fools because they trust their own judgment over God’s truth. This reminds us that our claims about ourselves matter deeply. We must examine whether what we assert aligns with reality and with God’s perspective.
When we speak, let our words reflect honesty and humility. Phaskō invites us to consider how we present ourselves before others and before God. May our claims be grounded in truth, leading us closer to the wisdom that comes from above rather than from our own understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was affirming1×
- declaring1×
- Professing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φάσκοντες2×
- ἔφασκεν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 24:9
The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
This verse shows phaskō used by Paul’s accusers to affirm their charges, highlighting its role in formal legal declarations.
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Romans 1:22
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Here phaskō reveals the danger of self-deception when people claim wisdom but reject God’s truth.
-
Acts 25:19
but had certain questions against him about their own religion and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
In this context, phaskō underscores Paul’s clear assertion that Jesus is alive, contrasting with his accusers’ inability to prove their case.