The verb phrazo (Strong’s Greek 5419), though appearing only once in the Greek New Testament, was common in Koine Greek for making something clear by explanation or interpretation. Classical writers used it for unveiling hidden meaning, and in the Septuagint it sometimes renders Hebrew roots for “show” or “tell.” In Hellenistic education a teacher was expected to phrazo doctrine to disciples, a pattern that reappears in the Gospels’ teacher–learner relationship.

Biblical Usage and Immediate Context

Matthew 15:15 contains the sole occurrence: “Peter said to Him, ‘Explain the parable to us.’” (Matthew 15:15). Peter’s imperative Φράσον functions as a hinge, turning public proclamation into private exposition. Jesus responds by exposing the heart as the true seat of defilement (Matthew 15:16-20). The lone use of phrazo thus highlights the necessity of divine illumination for genuine understanding.

Theological Themes

1. Revelation and Illumination

Peter’s request underscores humanity’s dependence on God to make truth plain (Psalm 119:18; Luke 24:45). It anticipates the Spirit’s future role in guiding believers “into all truth” (John 16:13).

2. Heart over Ritual

Jesus’ ensuing explanation centers on inner purity, establishing that proper interpretation must reach motive, not merely external form.

3. Discipleship Dynamics

Bold, honest questions mark a true learner. Peter models teachability, while Jesus’ ready answer models pastoral patience. The episode reinforces the call to “proclaim the Word…with complete patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Relation to Christ’s Teaching Method

Jesus routinely alternated between parable and private explanation (Matthew 13:10-11; Mark 4:34). Phrazo captures this explanatory phase. Matthew explicitly records Peter’s plea to emphasize that honest inquiry is welcomed by Christ and met with clarity.

Historical Exemplars of God-Given Explanation

• Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:16)
• Moses explaining the covenant (Deuteronomy 1:5)
• Levites making the law clear (Nehemiah 8:8)
• Daniel revealing Nebuchadnezzar’s vision (Daniel 2:28-30)
• Jesus explaining Scripture on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:27)

Each scene parallels phrazo: God’s truth made intelligible through Spirit-enabled explanation.

Pastoral and Discipleship Applications

• Encourage believers to approach Scripture with Peter’s humility, praying for explanation.
• Structure ministry that moves from proclamation to exposition, echoing Jesus’ pattern.
• Apply interpretation to the heart’s motives, not merely external behaviors.
• Train leaders to handle the Word clearly so hearers may understand and obey (Nehemiah 8:8; 2 Timothy 2:15).

Implications for Expository Ministry

The single use of Strong’s 5419 affirms that biblical teaching is meant to be understood. When preaching and teaching deliberately phrazo the meaning of the text, they continue the apostolic model and foster transformative understanding in the Church.

Suggestions for Further Study

Compare Matthew 15:15-20 with Mark 7:17-23. Examine other Greek verbs for “explain” such as diermeneuo (Luke 24:27) and exegeomai (John 1:18) to build a fuller biblical theology of interpretation and revelation.