Lexical Summary phimoó: To silence, to muzzle, to put to silence Original Word: φιμόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance muzzle. From phimos (a muzzle); to muzzle -- muzzle. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phimos (a muzzle) Definition to muzzle, to put to silence NASB Translation muzzle (1), quiet (2), silence (1), silenced (1), speechless (1), still (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5392: φιμόωφιμόω, φίμω (infinitive φιμοιν, 1 Peter 2:15 WH (see their Appendix, p. 166 and Introductory § 410; Buttmann, 44 (38); see ἀποδεκατόω); future φιμώσω; 1 aorist ἐφιμωσα: passive, perfect imperative 2 person singular πεφίμωσο; 1 aorist ἐφιμώθην; (φιμός a muzzle); to close the mouth with a muzzle, to muzzle: properly, βοῦν, the ox, 1 Corinthians 9:9 R G L WH text (see κημόω); 1 Timothy 5:18, from Deuteronomy 25:4 where for חָסַם; (universally, to fasten, compress, τῷ ξύλῳ τόν αὐχένα τίνος, Aristophanes nub. 592); metaphorically, to stop the mouth, make speechless, reduce to silence: τινα, Matthew 22:34; 1 Peter 2:15; passive, to become speechless, hold one's peace, Matthew 22:12; Mark 1:25; Mark 4:39; Luke 4:35, (Josephus, b. j. prooem. § 5; book 1, 22, 3; Lucian, de morte peregr. 15; universally, to be kept in check, 4 Macc. 1:35). Topical Lexicon Principal ThemeStrong’s Greek 5392 describes an active, decisive silencing. Whether applied to mouths, winds, demons, or hostile critics, it conveys bringing something that speaks or rages into immediate submission, preventing further utterance or activity. Occurrences in Scripture Matthew 22:12; Matthew 22:34; Mark 1:25; Mark 4:39; Luke 4:35; 1 Corinthians 9:9; 1 Timothy 5:18; 1 Peter 2:15. Silencing Hostile Opposition to the Gospel Matthew 22:34 records that Jesus’ answer “silenced the Sadducees.” Their elaborate attempt to discredit the doctrine of resurrection was stopped cold by the Lord’s use of Exodus 3:6. The verb underlines His absolute authority over religious error: truth does not merely out-argue error; it shuts it down. Peter echoes the thought for believers under persecution: “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:15). Christian conduct functions as a living apologetic, leaving slanderers without a legitimate reply. Demons and the Kingdom Clash In both synagogue exorcisms (Mark 1:25; Luke 4:35) Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit: “Be silent and come out of him!” The command is immediate and effectual; the same verb that muzzles animals shuts the mouth of an intelligent, malevolent being. The narrative demonstrates that demonic disclosure of Christ’s identity is neither welcomed nor needed, and that the King’s authority extends to the unseen realm. Creation Hushed by Its Creator Mark 4:39 places the term on Christ’s lips against a raging Galilean squall: “Peace! Be still!” (literally, “Be muzzled”). Nature is personified as a noisy adversary that must submit to its Maker. The result—“the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm”—shows the word’s power to transform chaos into peace. Equity for Workers in Ministry Paul twice cites Deuteronomy 25:4, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” using the cognate noun form (1 Corinthians 9:9; 1 Timothy 5:18). The original agricultural law, preventing deprivation of a laboring animal, grounds the apostolic principle that gospel workers deserve material support. The Spirit-inspired use of the Old Testament reinforces the unity and continuing relevance of Scripture for church order. Ethical and Pastoral Dimensions 1. Truth silences error—believers need not resort to hostility; a clear grasp of Scripture coupled with righteous living is sufficient. Historical Insight Rabbinic discussions on Deuteronomy 25:4 focused on animal welfare, yet the New Testament broadens the application to human dignity in ministry. First-century hearers, familiar with both agrarian imagery and Greco-Roman patronage systems, would recognize Paul’s argument as radically just: the preacher is no hired rhetorician but a worker worthy of his wages. Theological Significance The verb’s diverse settings converge on one doctrine: the sovereign speech of God incarnate. Where the fallen world is noisy with rebellion, Christ’s word restrains and restores. His authority is mediated through Scripture and embodied by the church, called to reflect His justice and calm. Contemporary Application • Engage cultural debates with confidence in Scripture’s power to silence distortion. Forms and Transliterations εφιμωθη εφιμώθη ἐφιμώθη εφίμωσε εφιμωσεν ἐφίμωσεν εφλέγμανεν κημώσεις πεφιμωσο πεφίμωσο φιμοιν φιμοῖν φιμούν φιμοῦν Φιμωθητι Φιμώθητι φιμωσεις φιμώσεις φίμωσεις φλεγμαίνουσα φλεγομένου φλέγον φλέξει ephimosen ephimōsen ephímosen ephímōsen ephimothe ephimōthē ephimṓthe ephimṓthē kemoseis kemṓseis kēmōseis kēmṓseis pephimoso pephimōso pephímoso pephímōso phimoseis phimōseis phimṓseis Phimotheti Phimōthēti Phimṓtheti Phimṓthēti phimoun phimoûnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 22:12 V-AIP-3SGRK: ὁ δὲ ἐφιμώθη NAS: clothes?' And the man was speechless. KJV: garment? And he was speechless. INT: and he was speechless Matthew 22:34 V-AIA-3S Mark 1:25 V-AMP-2S Mark 4:39 V-RMM/P-2S Luke 4:35 V-AMP-2S 1 Corinthians 9:9 V-FIA-2S 1 Timothy 5:18 V-FIA-2S 1 Peter 2:15 V-PNA Strong's Greek 5392 |