Silencing the Opposition: φιμόω (Strong’s G5392: phimoō) Muzzles Hostile Arguments
Strong’s G5392: From φιμός (muzzle): To muzzle, silence, bind shut, or restrain speech. Used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe silencing opponents or stopping hostile speech. Carries connotations of authoritative restraint and complete suppression of verbal opposition.
U- Unveiling the Word
φιμόω represents a powerful concept of silencing or muzzling, originally used for restraining animals but metaphorically applied to human speech. In the New Testament, it carries significant theological weight, especially in contexts where truth confronts falsehood. The word depicts authoritative silencing, not through force but through the compelling nature of truth. Early church fathers used this term to describe how the Messiah’s wisdom left opponents speechless, demonstrating divine authority. Today, it reminds us how God’s truth remains capable of silencing opposing arguments and bringing clarity amidst confusion.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: φιμόω, phimoō, fee-MO-oh
- Pronunciation: fee (as in “fee”), mo (as in “more”), oh (as in “oh”)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- φιμ- (root) from φιμός meaning “muzzle” or “restraint”
- -όω (suffix): Indicates making something into the state of the root word
- Combined meaning: “to make into a muzzled state” or “to cause to be muzzled”
D – Defining Meanings
- To muzzle or physically restrain the mouth
- To silence or render speechless
- To bind shut or close up completely
For compound words: Not a compound word, but the -όω suffix transforms the noun φιμός into a verb meaning “to make into the state of being muzzled”
Translation Options:
- “To muzzle” – Best captures the physical restraint aspect
- “To silence” – Ideal for metaphorical usage
- “To render speechless” – Effective for contexts of debate or confrontation
E – Exploring Similar Words
- σιγάω (sigaō, see-GAH-oh) – to keep silent voluntarily See G4601
- σιωπάω (siōpaō, see-oh-PAH-oh) – to be silent, cease speaking See G4623
- κατασιγάζω (katasigazō, kah-tah-see-GAD-zoh) – to quiet down See G2687
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a verb, φιμόω exhibits these features:
- Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
- Voice: Active, Passive
- Mood: Indicative, Imperative, Subjunctive
- Person: First, Second, Third
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Aspect: Imperfective (present) or Perfective (aorist)
Example morphological changes:
- φιμώσω (future active)
- ἐφίμωσα (aorist active)
- φιμώθητι (aorist passive imperative)
Cross-references:
- φιμός (noun form) – physical muzzle
- φίμωσις (verbal noun) – act of muzzling
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes φιμόω’s progression from literal animal muzzling to metaphorical silencing in theological contexts. Thayer’s notes its use in both literal and figurative contexts, particularly in situations of authoritative silencing. LSJ provides classical examples showing its development from agricultural contexts to rhetorical usage. Vine’s emphasizes its metaphorical application in the New Testament, especially in contexts of spiritual authority. Strong’s connects it to the physical implement (φιμός) while highlighting its broader applications. LEH notes its Septuagint usage, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its common usage in legal contexts of suppressing testimony.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Matthew 22:12: “And he was speechless [φιμόω].”
Additional References:
Mark 1:25, Mark 4:39, Luke 4:35, 1 Peter 2:15
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Xenophon: On Horsemanship | “They muzzle [φιμόω] the horses when grooming them, to prevent them from biting.” |
| Plutarch: Moralia | “The law muzzles [φιμόω] the voices of those who speak against justice.” |
| Lucian: The Dead Come to Life | “His arguments muzzled [φιμόω] the sophists, leaving them without response.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
φιμόω powerfully illustrates how divine truth silences opposition not through force but through its inherent authority. In the New Testament, we see this word used when the Messiah silences demons, calms storms, and leaves critics speechless. This reveals His divine authority over both natural and spiritual realms. The good news is that this same authoritative truth continues to silence accusations, doubts, and spiritual opposition in believers’ lives today, demonstrating that God’s word remains living and active.
D – Did You Know?
- φιμόω was used in ancient Greek court proceedings to describe when a witness was legally barred from testifying.
- The word appears in ancient veterinary texts describing proper animal care procedures.
- Early Christian writers used φιμόω to describe how the spread of the gospel silenced pagan oracle practices.
Strong’s G5392: From φιμός (muzzle): To muzzle, silence, bind shut, or restrain speech. Used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe silencing opponents or stopping hostile speech. Carries connotations of authoritative restraint and complete suppression of verbal opposition.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: silence, muzzle, restraint, authority, speech, opposition, control, submission, power, divine authority, spiritual warfare, truth
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
