Strong’s Greek 216 refers to those rendered speechless or mute. Though the word appears only three times, each occurrence is embedded in a miracle narrative that unveils the authority of Jesus Christ, the compassion of God toward human infirmity, and the fulfillment of Messianic expectation that “the tongue of the mute will sing for joy” (Isaiah 35:6).

Occurrences in the New Testament

• Mark 7:37 records the astonishment of the crowd after Jesus heals a man who was deaf and spoke with difficulty, declaring, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak!”
• Mark 9:17 recounts a father’s plea concerning his son, possessed by “a spirit that has made him mute.”
• Mark 9:25 depicts Jesus rebuking that spirit: “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out and never enter him again!”.

In every instance the term depicts a condition surpassing ordinary physical disability, pointing either to congenital impediment (Mark 7) or demonic oppression (Mark 9). The immediate restoration of speech underlines Jesus’ sovereign power over both natural infirmity and supernatural evil.

Old Testament Background and Messianic Expectation

The Hebrew Scriptures present muteness both as a tragic human condition and as a prophetic signpost. The creation of speech belongs to the LORD who says, “Who makes a person mute or deaf? Is it not I, the LORD?” (Exodus 4:11). Yet the prophets foresaw a day when the Messiah would reverse such effects: “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the mute tongue will shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:5-6). Mark’s Gospel consciously echoes this prophecy, presenting Jesus as the One who brings the promised restoration.

Christ’s Authority over Muteness and the Demonic

In Mark 9 the muteness is explicitly attributed to an unclean spirit. The boy’s inability to speak signals a deeper bondage that mere human intervention cannot solve. The disciples’ failure (Mark 9:18) contrasts with Christ’s success and underscores that spiritual authority rests in Him alone. His verbal command—“Come out and never enter him again!”—illustrates the power of the spoken word that sets free the speechless captive. Thus muteness becomes a canvas upon which the Gospel paints liberation.

Theological Significance

1. Revelation of the Messiah: By restoring speech, Jesus fulfills Messianic prophecy and authenticates His identity.
2. Redemption of Human Faculties: Speech is integral to bearing God’s image; its restoration points to the comprehensive salvation that includes body and soul.
3. Victory over Evil: The mute spirit’s expulsion prefigures the ultimate defeat of Satan and establishes a precedent for spiritual warfare conducted in Christ’s name.
4. Faith’s Role: In Mark 7 friends bring the deaf-mute man; in Mark 9 a father intercedes for his son. These narratives highlight the community of faith acting as mediators of Christ’s healing power.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

• Intercessory Prayer: The father’s honest confession, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24), encourages believers to bring imperfect faith to a perfect Savior.
• Holistic Ministry: Jesus addresses both physical and spiritual dimensions, guiding the church to minister to bodily needs while confronting spiritual oppression.
• Worship Renewal: The once-mute now speak, anticipating the eschatological chorus in which “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11).

Historical Reflection

Early Christian writers such as Irenaeus cited the healing of the mute as evidence of the continuing works of God through the church. Throughout history ministries of deliverance and care for the speech-impaired have drawn inspiration from these passages, combining medical skill with prayerful dependence on Christ’s authority.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 216, though sparse in raw occurrences, carries rich theological weight. Each usage anchors the reader in the hope that the Savior who once opened silent mouths continues to liberate, heal, and empower His people to proclaim His praise until the day when all creation joins the unending song.