880. aphónos
Lexical Summary
aphónos: Mute, silent, without voice

Original Word: ἄφωνος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: aphónos
Pronunciation: ah-fo'-nos
Phonetic Spelling: (af'-o-nos)
KJV: dumb, without signification
NASB: mute, silent, without meaning
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and G5456 (φωνή - voice)]

1. voiceless, i.e. mute (by nature or choice)
2. (figuratively) meaningless

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
speechless, mute, silent

From a (as a negative particle) and phone; voiceless, i.e. Mute (by nature or choice); figuratively, unmeaning -- dumb, without signification.

see GREEK a

see GREEK phone

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and phóné
Definition
without voice, i.e. speechless
NASB Translation
mute (2), silent (1), without meaning (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 880: ἄφωνος

ἄφωνος, ἁφῶν (φωνή), voiceless, dumb; without the faculty of speech; used of idols, 1 Corinthians 12:2 (cf. Psalm 115:5 (); Habakkuk 2:18); of beasts, 2 Peter 2:16. 1 Corinthians 14:10 τοσαῦτα γένη φωνῶν καί οὐδέν αὐτῶν (L T Tr WH omit αὐτῶν) ἄφωνον, i. e. there is no language destitute of the power of language (R. V. text no kind (of voice) is without signification) (cf. the phrases βίος ἀβίωτος a life unworthy of the name of life, χάρις ἄχαρις). used of one that is patiently silent or dumb: ἀμνός, Acts 8:32 from Isaiah 53:7. (In Greek writings from (Theog.), Pindar, Aeschylus down.)

Topical Lexicon
Definition and Nuance

The adjective ἄφωνος describes that which is without voice, sound, or articulate expression. In the New Testament its range moves from literal muteness to figurative uselessness, addressing issues of revelation, authority, and the contrast between the living God and lifeless substitutes.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1 Corinthians 12:2

“You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.”

1 Corinthians 14:10

“Undoubtedly, there are many kinds of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.”

2 Peter 2:16

“But he received a rebuke for his own wrongdoing from a mute donkey speaking with a human voice, restrained the madness of the prophet.”

Acts 8:32 (quoting Isaiah 53:7)

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth.”

Old Testament and Jewish Background

The Septuagint frequently employs ἄφωνος for idols that “have mouths, but cannot speak” (for example Psalm 115:5). Isaiah 53:7, cited in Acts 8:32, presents the suffering Servant’s purposeful silence. Rabbinic tradition also comments on Balaam’s donkey as an example of God’s sovereignty over speech.

Theological Themes

Idolatry Exposed

Paul’s reference to “mute idols” (1 Corinthians 12:2) underlines their impotence. In a world enthralled by temple statues, the inability to speak is proof that they are no gods at all. The true God not only speaks but also acts, revealing Himself through prophets, Scripture, and supremely in His Son.

Revelation and Meaning

1 Corinthians 14:10 extends the idea: every human language has meaning; none is ἄφωνος. If even the tongues of men carry significance, how much more the utterances of God. Paul marshals this fact to regulate the gift of tongues so that church speech remains intelligible and edifying.

Christ’s Silent Submission

Acts 8:32 highlights the Messiah’s voluntary silence. His refusal to answer His accusers fulfills Isaiah 53:7, portraying meekness, innocence, and trust in the Father. The word ἄφωνος here is not weakness but controlled strength, fulfilling redemptive purpose.

Divine Sovereignty over Speech

2 Peter 2:16 presents the paradox of a “mute donkey” that suddenly speaks, rebuking Balaam. The account affirms that God can put words in any mouth while at times withholding them from proud prophets. Speech and silence alike serve His governance.

Historical Context

Greco-Roman religious life teemed with cult images acclaimed for alleged oracles. By calling them “mute,” Scripture exposes their fraud. Philosophers such as Epictetus mocked dumb idols, but Scripture does more: it points to the living, speaking God who engages His people in covenant.

Implications for Christian Ministry

1. Proclamation

Followers of Christ are called to break silence where truth is at stake. Unlike idols, believers have received the Spirit so that they might “declare the praises of Him” (1 Peter 2:9).

2. Discernment

Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 14:10–11 instructs leaders to ensure that worship remains intelligible. Any practice that renders the gathering ἄφωνος—void of clear meaning—must be reformed.

3. Submission

Acts 8:32 reminds disciples that there is a time to speak and a time to be silent. Christ’s model informs pastoral care amid persecution or false accusation.

4. Humility

The talking donkey of 2 Peter 2:16 cautions teachers: if God can use a beast to correct error, none should presume upon office or eloquence.

Doctrinal Insights

• God is the ultimate Communicator; idols are speechless.
• Revelation encompasses both word and redemptive deed.
• Human language, while finite, is designed by God to convey truth.
• Silence, when Spirit-directed, can be as powerful a witness as speech.

Practical Applications

• Evaluate every object of trust: does it truly speak God’s Word, or is it ἄφωνος?
• Seek clarity in teaching and evangelism, avoiding jargon that renders the gospel unintelligible.
• Embrace Christlike silence in suffering, entrusting justice to the Father.
• Remain teachable, recognizing that God can correct us through unexpected voices.

The word ἄφωνος thus serves as a subtle yet potent thread uniting the folly of idolatry, the discipline of worship, the mystery of the cross, and the sovereignty of God over all speech.

Forms and Transliterations
αφωνα άφωνα ἄφωνα αφωνον άφωνον ἄφωνον αφωνος άφωνος ἄφωνος aphona aphōna áphona áphōna aphonon aphōnon áphonon áphōnon aphonos aphōnos áphonos áphōnos
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 8:32 Adj-NMS
GRK: κείραντος αὐτὸν ἄφωνος οὕτως οὐκ
NAS: ITS SHEARER IS SILENT, SO
KJV: like a lamb dumb before his
INT: shears him [is] mute thus not

1 Corinthians 12:2 Adj-ANP
GRK: εἴδωλα τὰ ἄφωνα ὡς ἂν
NAS: [you were] led astray to the mute idols,
KJV: unto these dumb idols,
INT: idols mute as anyhow

1 Corinthians 14:10 Adj-NNS
GRK: καὶ οὐδὲν ἄφωνον
NAS: and no [kind] is without meaning.
KJV: none of them [is] without signification.
INT: and none without meaning

2 Peter 2:16 Adj-NNS
GRK: παρανομίας ὑποζύγιον ἄφωνον ἐν ἀνθρώπου
NAS: transgression, [for] a mute donkey,
KJV: iniquity: the dumb ass
INT: wickedness [the] beast of burden mute in a man's

Strong's Greek 880
4 Occurrences


ἄφωνα — 1 Occ.
ἄφωνον — 2 Occ.
ἄφωνος — 1 Occ.

879b
Top of Page
Top of Page