Brief Overview of ἀποφθέγγομαι (G669: Apophthéngomai)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apophthéngomai

Root Words: The term ἀποφθέγγομαι is composed of the prefix ἀπό (apó), meaning “away from,” and the verb φθέγγομαι (phthéngomai), meaning “to speak” or “to utter.” Together, they convey the sense of speaking out or declaring something emphatically.

Primary Meanings:

• To speak out or declare something.
• To express or utter in a solemn or authoritative manner.
• To deliver a message or pronouncement.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποφθέγγομαι as “to speak out” or “to declare.” It emphasizes the act of making a formal or authoritative utterance, often in a context where the speaker’s words are significant or impactful.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποφθέγγομαι as “to speak out” or “to utter,” focusing on the act of delivering a spoken declaration or statement with a sense of authority.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights that ἀποφθέγγομαι means “to declare” or “to speak forth,” indicating its use in contexts where speech is both deliberate and weighty.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀποφθέγγομαι as “to speak out,” reflecting its usage in expressing thoughts or declarations openly.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀποφθέγγομαι as “to speak out,” emphasizing its role in delivering significant or authoritative statements.

Bible Verses:

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• Acts 2:4 (NIV): “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (The term ἀποφθέγγομαι is used to describe the act of speaking out under the influence of the Holy Spirit.)
• Matthew 12:34 (NIV): “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Here, the idea of speaking out reflects the emphatic nature of the declaration.)

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Homer (Iliad, 8th century BCE): Homer uses terms related to speaking out or making declarations in his epic poetry, often in the context of delivering speeches or pronouncements in battle or assembly.

Herodotus (Histories, 5th century BCE): Herodotus employs similar concepts to describe individuals making formal statements or declarations in historical accounts.

Aristotle (Rhetoric, 4th century BCE): Aristotle uses related terms in his discussions on rhetoric and speech, focusing on the art of making authoritative declarations and statements.

4. Summary:

ἀποφθέγγομαι (Apophthéngomai) primarily means “to speak out” or “to declare,” reflecting the act of delivering significant or authoritative statements. In both classical Greek literature and biblical texts, it conveys the sense of making formal, impactful utterances. The term is used to describe the act of speaking forth with a sense of authority and weight, highlighting its application in contexts of serious or solemn speech.