Original Word: φιμόω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: phimoó
Pronunciation: fee-MOH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (fee-mo'-o)
Definition: I muzzle, silence.
Meaning: To close the mouth with a muzzle; to silence or make speechless.

Word Origin: Derived from a primary word φῐμός (phimós), meaning "a muzzle."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While φιμόω is a Greek term, its concept of silencing or restraining can be related to several Hebrew words that convey similar meanings. These include:

- Strong's Hebrew 2013 (הָרַס, haras): To destroy or silence, often used in the context of breaking down or overthrowing.
- Strong's Hebrew 2790 (חָרַשׁ, charash): To be silent or to hold one's peace, often used in contexts of refraining from speech or action.

These Hebrew terms, while not direct equivalents, share thematic elements with φιμόω, particularly in the context of silencing or restraining speech or action.

Usage: The verb φιμόω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of silencing or restraining speech. It is often used metaphorically to indicate the suppression of opposition or to command silence.

Context: The Greek verb φιμόω appears in several contexts within the New Testament, each illustrating the concept of silencing or restraining. It is used both literally and metaphorically, reflecting the cultural and theological nuances of the time.

- Literal Use: In Mark 4:39, Jesus uses the term when He rebukes the wind and commands the sea to be still: "Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm." Here, φιμόω conveys the authority of Jesus over nature, demonstrating His divine power to bring peace and order.

- Metaphorical Use: In Matthew 22:34, the term is used to describe the silencing of the Sadducees: "When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together." This usage highlights the power of Jesus' wisdom and teaching to confound and quiet His opponents.

- Instructional Use: In 1 Peter 2:15, believers are encouraged to live in such a way that their good deeds silence foolish accusations: "For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men." This reflects the ethical teaching of the early church, emphasizing the role of Christian conduct in countering criticism.

The use of φιμόω in these passages underscores the authority of Christ and the transformative power of Christian witness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of both divine authority and ethical living in the life of believers.

Word Origin
from phimos (a muzzle)
Definition
to muzzle, to put to silence
NASB Translation
muzzle (1), quiet (2), silence (1), silenced (1), speechless (1), still (1).

STRONGS NT 5392: φιμόω

φιμόω, 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).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

muzzle.

From phimos (a muzzle); to muzzle -- muzzle.

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 phimoûn

Links

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