Divine Declaration: φθέγγομαι (Strong’s G5350: phtheggomai) Proclaims Sacred Truth

Strong’s G5350: A distinctive verb of vocal expression, φθέγγομαι denotes authoritative utterance or proclamation. In New Testament usage, it carries special significance for both divine revelation and apostolic proclamation, often emphasizing the gravity and authority of the spoken message.

U – Unveiling the Word

φθέγγομαι represents a specific type of verbal expression that goes beyond ordinary speech. In its New Testament context, it often carries the weight of authoritative declaration or proclamation, particularly in situations where divine truth is being conveyed. The word suggests a deliberate, weighty utterance rather than casual conversation. Its usage in Acts and Peter’s epistles particularly emphasizes the authority behind apostolic teaching and proclamation. The early church recognized this term as signifying speech that carried divine authority, making it especially relevant for understanding the nature of Spirit-empowered proclamation today.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φθέγγομαι, phtheggomai, /fthenˈgo.mai/
• Detailed pronunciation: f-theng-GO-my (with ‘th’ as in “thin”)
• Part of Speech: Verb (Deponent)

Etymology:

• Onomatopoeic root φθεγ- (suggesting sound)
• -μαι suffix: middle/passive voice ending
• Related to ancient Indo-European sound words

D – Defining Meanings

• To utter, declare
• To proclaim with authority
• To speak out loud
• To make a sound or noise

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a simple verb

Translation Options:

• “To declare” – Emphasizes the authoritative nature
• “To proclaim” – Highlights the public announcement aspect
• “To utter” – Captures the actual vocal expression

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λαλέω (laleō) /laˈle.o/ – More general term for speaking – See G2980
• λέγω (legō) /ˈle.go/ – To say, focusing on content – See G3004
• κηρύσσω (kēryssō) /keˈrys.so/ – To preach or herald – See G2784

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a deponent verb (middle/passive form with active meaning), φθέγγομαι shows:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Middle/Passive (with active meaning)
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Both punctiliar and linear

Examples:

• φθέγγομαι – I declare (present)
• ἐφθεγξάμην – I declared (aorist)
• φθεγξάμενος – having declared (aorist participle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes φθέγγομαι’s connection to authoritative speech and divine utterance. Thayer’s notes its distinction from ordinary speech terms, highlighting its use for weighty pronouncements. LSJ traces its development from simple sound-making to authoritative declaration. Vine’s emphasizes its use in contexts of divine or prophetic utterance. Moulton and Milligan document its use in formal declarations in papyri. The combined lexical evidence suggests a term specifically chosen to convey the gravity and authority of divine communication through human vessels.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Acts 4:18 “And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to [φθέγγομαι] speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.”

Additional References:
Acts 2:4, 2 Peter 2:16, 2 Peter 2:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φθέγγομαι embodies the authority and power of divine proclamation. When the apostles were commanded not to “speak” using this word, it highlighted the authorities’ recognition of their divine mandate. This word reminds us that the proclamation of the gospel carries heavenly authority. The good news is that the same Spirit who empowered the apostles’ utterance continues to empower believers today to declare God’s truth with authority and effectiveness.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word originally mimicked the sound of vocal expression before becoming a formal term.
2. It’s one of few Greek verbs that maintained its specialized meaning of authoritative declaration throughout its history.
3. Early Christian liturgies used this term specifically for proclamations of Scripture readings.

Strong’s G5350: A distinctive verb of vocal expression, φθέγγομαι denotes authoritative utterance or proclamation. In New Testament usage, it carries special significance for both divine revelation and apostolic proclamation, often emphasizing the gravity and authority of the spoken message.

Part of speech: Verb (Deponent)

Tags: proclamation, divine authority, utterance, speaking, apostolic authority, preaching, declaration, prophetic speech, testimony, spiritual authority​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​