φιμόω (phimoō)
phimoō
to muzzle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phimoo means to put a muzzle on an animal, specifically one used for eating grain. In the New Testament, it appears in passages where Jesus commands unclean spirits to be silent (Mark 1:25; Luke 4:35) and when he rebukes his disciples for trying to stop people from bringing children to him (Matthew 19:13). The word carries a sense of forced quietness, often used metaphorically to describe putting someone or something into silence.
Its root comes from phimos, meaning "muzzle." This physical image is extended spiritually in verses like 1 Peter 2:15, where believers are called to silence the ignorance of foolish people through good deeds. The term appears eight times across the Gospels and Epistles, always emphasizing restraint or suppression of speech or activity.
Notably, Paul uses this word in 1 Corinthians 9:9 when quoting Deuteronomy about not muzzling an ox while it treads out grain. Here, he argues that those who serve in ministry should be supported by those they serve. The metaphor shifts from literal animal treatment to human dignity and fairness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phimoō literally means to muzzle an animal, yet Scripture uses it in surprising ways. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this command to silence demons, showing that His authority overrides every force of darkness. It is a reminder that no spiritual opposition can stand against the voice of Christ.
Paul takes this image from agriculture and applies it to human dignity. By quoting the law about not muzzling an ox, he argues that those who serve in ministry deserve fair support. This shifts the focus from mere silence to justice and respect for labor.
In a practical sense, Peter suggests we can "muzzle" foolish criticism through good deeds. Instead of arguing back, our quiet integrity speaks louder than words. This offers a peaceful way to handle conflict, trusting that God sees our faithful actions even when others are loud or unjust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do be silent2×
- you will muzzle;1×
- you will muzzle1×
- you must be still!1×
- to put to silence1×
- he was speechless.1×
- He had silenced1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιμώθητι2×
- ἐφίμωσεν1×
- ἐφιμώθη.1×
- φιμώσεις·1×
- φιμοῦν1×
- πεφίμωσο.1×
- κημώσεις1×
Key Verses
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I Corinthians 9:9
For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it for the oxen that God cares,
Paul uses the agricultural metaphor to establish the right of ministers to receive financial support from those they serve.
-
Mark 1:25
Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”
Jesus commands an unclean spirit to be quiet, demonstrating His absolute authority over evil forces.
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I Peter 2:15
For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Believers are encouraged to silence foolish criticism through consistent good deeds rather than verbal argument.