Original Word: φθέγγομαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: phtheggomai
Pronunciation: ftheng'-gom-ahee
Phonetic Spelling: (ftheng'-gom-ahee)
Definition: to speak, to utter, to proclaim
Meaning: I speak aloud, utter.

speak.

Probably akin to pheggos and thus to phemi; to utter a clear sound, i.e. (generally) to proclaim -- speak.

see GREEK phemi

see GREEK pheggos

5350 phthéggomai – properly, to make a generic or unintelligible sound (resembling the whinny of a horse, LS); (figuratively) to speak in a way that is not understandable to the listener ("unintelligible").

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
to utter
NASB Translation
speak (1), speaking (2).

STRONGS NT 5350: φθέγγομαι

φθέγγομαι; 1 aorist participle φθεγξάμενος; (φέγγος (but cf. Vanicek, p. 1176), ΦΑΩ); deponent middle; from Homer down;

1. to give out a sound, noise, or cry; used by the Greeks of any sort of sound or voice, whether of man or animal or inanimate object — as of thunder, musical instruments, etc.; (φθέγγεσθαι denotes sound in its relation to the hearer rather than to its cause; the μέγα λαλῶν is a braggart, the μέγα φθεγγόμενος. is a lofty orator; Schmidt, Syn., chapter 1 § 53).

2. to proclaim; to speak, utter: Acts 4:18; ὑπέρογκα, 2 Peter 2:18 (ἄδικα, Wis. 1:8); ὑποζύγιον, ἄφωνον ἐν ἀνθρωπίνῃ φωνή φθεγξάμενον, 2 Peter 2:16. (Compare: ἀποφθέγγομαι.)

Word Origin: Middle voice of an apparently primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φθέγγομαι, similar concepts of speaking or proclaiming with authority can be found in Hebrew verbs such as דָּבַר (dabar • Strong's Hebrew 1696), which means "to speak" or "to declare," and קָרָא (qara • Strong's Hebrew 7121), meaning "to call" or "to proclaim." These Hebrew terms similarly convey the act of speaking with purpose or authority.

Usage: This verb is used in the New Testament to describe the act of speaking or proclaiming, often with a sense of authority or emphasis. It can refer to both human and divine speech.

Context: The Greek verb φθέγγομαι (phthéngomai) appears in the New Testament in contexts where speech is characterized by a certain forcefulness or authority. It is not merely the act of speaking but often implies a proclamation or declaration that carries weight or significance. This term is used in various passages to describe the utterance of important messages, whether by humans or through divine inspiration.

In 2 Peter 2:18, the term is used to describe false teachers who "speak arrogant words of vanity" (BSB), indicating the deceptive and boastful nature of their proclamations. The use of φθέγγομαι here underscores the persuasive yet empty nature of their speech, which is intended to lead others astray.

Another notable usage is found in Acts 4:18, where the apostles are commanded "not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus" (BSB). The use of φθέγγομαι in this context highlights the authoritative nature of the apostles' proclamation of the gospel, which the religious leaders sought to suppress.

The verb also appears in Acts 26:25, where Paul asserts, "I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words" (BSB). Here, φθέγγομαι emphasizes the reasoned and truthful nature of Paul's defense, contrasting with the accusation of madness.

Overall, φθέγγομαι conveys more than mere verbal communication; it often involves a declaration that is intended to persuade, instruct, or command attention. Its use in the New Testament reflects the power and impact of spoken words, whether for truth or deception.

εφθέγξατο φθεγγεσθαι φθέγγεσθαι φθέγγεσθε φθέγγεται φθεγγόμεναι φθεγγομενοι φθεγγόμενοι φθέγξαιτο φθεγξαμενον φθεγξάμενον φθεγξάμενος φθέγξασθε φθεγξάσθωσαν φθέγξεται φθέγξομαι φθέγξονται φθειριεί φθειρίζει phthengesthai phthéngesthai phthengomenoi phthengómenoi phthenxamenon phthenxámenonInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts