φημί (phēmi)
phēmi
to assert
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 66 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phēmi means to assert or declare one’s thoughts clearly. In the New Testament it appears sixty-six times, often serving as a literary marker that introduces direct speech. Unlike more common words for "say," it carries a tone of authority or emphasis, frequently used when quoting someone else’s exact words or interjecting a statement into a narrative flow.
Its usage is distinctive in how it frames dialogue. For instance, in Matthew 13:29, the landowner uses phēmi to firmly state his decision regarding the weeds, giving weight to his command. Similarly, John the Baptist employs it in John 1:23 to make a sharp, definitive claim about his identity. The sources note it is often paired with verbs like "answer" or "say," reinforcing the act of speaking out clearly.
Etymologically, phēmi shares roots with words meaning to show or manifest, suggesting that speech is an outward display of inner thought. Translators typically render it simply as "said" or "says," but its presence signals a moment where a character’s stance is being firmly established for the reader.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phēmi appears frequently in the New Testament as a simple marker for speech, yet it carries a specific weight of assertion. When a character uses this verb, they are not merely making noise; they are declaring their stance with clarity and authority. It often introduces direct quotes or sharp interjections that frame the narrative’s most important moments.
In your daily life, this reminds us that our words define our position before God and others. Just as Jesus used clear declarations to establish truth in Matthew 27:11, we are invited to speak with honesty and integrity. Your voice matters when you choose to assert what is true rather than remaining silent.
Consider how often Scripture uses this term to highlight decisive moments of faith or confrontation. It encourages us to be intentional in our communication, ensuring that our speech reflects the reality of our hearts. Let your words be a faithful reflection of the truth you hold dear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 66 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was saying10×
- was saying;7×
- he was saying;7×
- Was saying5×
- was saying:4×
- he says;4×
- He was saying;4×
- says3×
- said;3×
- he says2×
- I say,2×
- He was saying2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔφη·24×
- ἔφη16×
- φησιν8×
- φησίν·5×
- Ἔφη4×
- φησὶν2×
- φησιν·2×
- φημι,2×
- ἔφη,1×
- φησίν.1×
- φημι;1×
- φημι.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 27:11
Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “So you say.”
Jesus uses this assertion to firmly establish His identity before Pilate, showing that clear speech can anchor truth in uncertain times.
-
Matthew 13:29
“But he said, ‘No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them.
The landowner’s decisive 'No' demonstrates how this verb marks a firm boundary that protects what is valuable from being damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between phēmi and other words for 'say'?
Why does the New Testament use this word so often?
How should this affect my own speech?
Every Occurrence (66 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 16 verses
Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
Matthew 8:8The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…
Matthew 13:28“He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’
Matthew 13:29“But he said, ‘No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them.
Matthew 14:8She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.”
Matthew 17:26Peter said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt.
Matthew 19:21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure…
Matthew 21:27They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.” He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do…
Matthew 22:37Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Matthew 25:21“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you…
Matthew 25:23“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you…
Matthew 26:34Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
Matthew 26:61and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”
Matthew 27:11Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to…
Matthew 27:23But the governor said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, saying, “Let him be crucified!”
Matthew 27:65Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.”