φθέγγομαι (phthengomai)
phthengomai
to speak
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phthengomai describes the act of uttering a sound or voice, covering everything from human speech to animal cries and even inanimate noises like thunder. It is a general term for vocal expression, focusing on the physical production of sound rather than the specific content or emotional intent behind it.
This word appears only three times in the New Testament, notably in Acts 4:18 where religious leaders command Peter and John not to speak at all, and in 2 Peter 2:16 regarding a donkey’s speech. Its rarity highlights its use for striking or unusual vocalizations, such as Balaam’s donkey speaking with a human voice.
Etymologically, it is likely related to the root found in phthengō, meaning to break forth with sound. The sources note its use before phrases like "in a voice" and with accusative objects, showing its flexibility in describing various types of utterances across different contexts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word phthengomai simply means to make a sound or speak. It focuses on the physical act of vocalizing, whether that is human speech, an animal’s cry, or even natural noises like thunder. Unlike words that emphasize wisdom or teaching, this term highlights the raw production of voice itself.
In Acts 4:18, religious leaders command Peter and John not to phthengomai at all. This shows how the word can describe a total silencing of one’s voice. It reminds us that our ability to speak is a gift from God, which we should use to share truth with others.
2 Peter 2:16 mentions a donkey speaking with a human voice using this word. This unusual event shows that God can use any voice to deliver His message. We can trust that He hears us and uses our words for His purposes, even when we feel unsure or afraid to speak up.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to speak1×
- speaking words1×
- having spoken1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φθέγγεσθαι1×
- φθεγξάμενον1×
- φθεγγόμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 4:18
They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
This verse shows the word used in a command to completely silence public testimony about Jesus.
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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.
Here the word describes a miraculous event where a donkey speaks with a human voice to rebuke a prophet.
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II Peter 2:18
For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error;
The word introduces empty, swelling words that lead people away from truth through lustful desires.