Lexical Summary phémé: Report, news, fame, rumor Original Word: φήμη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance report, newsFrom phemi; a saying, i.e. Rumor ("fame") -- fame. see GREEK phemi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phémi Definition a saying or report NASB Translation news (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5345: φήμηφήμη, φήμης, ἡ (φημί), fame, report: Matthew 9:26; Luke 4:14. ((From Homer down.)) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of Meaning The term denotes a report, news, or reputation that spreads from person to person. It highlights the dynamic movement of spoken information that shapes public perception. In Scripture it is linked to testimony, proclamation, and the awakening of expectation. Occurrences in the New Testament Matthew 9:26 records that after Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter, “the news of this spread throughout that region.” The miracle itself was private, but the report became public, illustrating how divine acts quickly generate wide attention. Luke 4:14 notes that following His wilderness temptation, Jesus returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region.” Before a single sermon in Galilee is recorded, the Spirit-empowered reputation of Christ is already at work preparing receptive hearts. Old Testament Foreshadowings Isaiah 53:1 laments, “Who has believed our report?” The prophetic longing for believed news finds fulfillment when the report about Jesus is actually embraced by multitudes. Proverbs 25:25 compares good news to “cold water to a weary soul.” These foundations show that God has always used reports—whether prophetic or miraculous—to call people to faith. Christological Significance The spread of Jesus’ fame is not mere publicity; it validates His messianic identity. Miracles authenticate His authority (Matthew 11:4-6) and the resulting reports form an organic witness network, foreshadowing the apostolic proclamation after the resurrection (Acts 4:20). Thus the word underscores the transition from isolated wonders to the worldwide gospel. Historical and Cultural Background First-century society was predominantly oral. Town squares, synagogues, and traveling caravans functioned as information conduits. In such settings a single extraordinary event could ignite widespread discussion. The Gospel authors intentionally note the spread of reports to demonstrate how swiftly the message traveled without modern communication. Missiological Implications 1. God often initiates mission through unsolicited reports that prepare the way for formal preaching. Ethical and Pastoral Considerations A godly reputation is a powerful tool (1 Timothy 3:7). Conversely, false rumors can damage gospel credibility (3 John 9-10). Believers are called to steward their words, verifying truth before passing it on (Proverbs 18:13). Churches should cultivate honest testimony so that the “report” about them glorifies Christ (Colossians 1:3-4). Comparative Greek Usage Classical writers use the term for general rumor—whether reliable or speculative. The New Testament narrows the focus: news concerning divine activity. This sharpening of meaning hints at Providence guiding human speech toward redemptive ends. Eschatological Resonance While another Greek term is used in Matthew 24:6 for “rumors of wars,” both words remind readers that reports can either alarm or summon faith. Discerning ears distinguish between fear-laden rumors and gospel news. Ministry Application • Testify promptly to the Lord’s works; silence squanders momentum. Summary This word captures the Spirit-driven spread of news that turns private encounters with Jesus into public opportunities for faith. From Galilee’s villages to the ends of the earth, God employs human storytelling to magnify His Son and draw sinners to salvation. Forms and Transliterations φημη φήμη pheme phēmē phḗme phḗmēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 9:26 N-NFSGRK: ἐξῆλθεν ἡ φήμη αὕτη εἰς NAS: This news spread throughout KJV: And the fame hereof went abroad INT: went out the report this into Luke 4:14 N-NFS |
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