Understanding ἀποφθέγγομαι (apophtheggomai) Strong’s G669: The Divine Utterance of Spirit-Inspired Speech

Pronunciation Guide: ap-of-theng’-om-ahee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G669: ἀποφθέγγομαι (apophtheggomai) refers to the act of speaking forth by divine inspiration, specifically denoting the declaration of weighty, significant utterances under supernatural influence. This specialized term emphasizes both the divine origin and the gravitas of the spoken message. It particularly describes speech that is marked by its solemnity and authority, often associated with prophetic or Spirit-inspired proclamation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb from ἀπό (apo, “from”) + φθέγγομαι (phtheggomai, “to utter”)
• Used primarily in narrative sections describing supernatural manifestations
• Found in classical Greek literature describing oracular pronouncements
• Middle deponent verb – takes middle form but active meaning
• Related to ancient Greek practice of delivering divine oracles

ἀποφθέγγομαι Morphology:

• ἀποφθέγγομαι (present indicative middle) – I speak forth
• ἀπεφθέγξατο (aorist indicative middle) – he/she spoke forth
• ἀποφθέγγεσθαι (present infinitive middle) – to speak forth
• ἀποφθεγγόμενοι (present participle middle nominative plural) – speaking forth

Origin & History

The term ἀποφθέγγομαι has deep roots in classical Greek culture, particularly in connection with oracular pronouncements and divine inspiration. In classical literature, it appears in Plutarch’s works describing the utterances of the Pythian priestess at Delphi. The compound structure of the word emphasizes the idea of speech coming “from” (ἀπό) a divine source through human vocalization (φθέγγομαι).

In the Septuagint, the word appears in relation to prophetic utterances, notably in Ezekiel 13:9 and 1 Chronicles 25:1, where it describes divinely inspired prophetic speech. This usage established a precedent for its later New Testament application.

The early Church Fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum,” employed this term when discussing the phenomenon of Spirit-inspired speech, drawing parallels between apostolic proclamation and Old Testament prophecy.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Divinely inspired declarative speech
• Authoritative proclamation under supernatural influence
• Weighty utterance flowing from divine inspiration
• Solemn, prophetic pronouncement

ἀποφθέγγομαι Translation Options:

• “to speak forth by divine inspiration” – emphasizes supernatural origin
• “to declare solemnly” – highlights the gravity of the utterance
• “to proclaim with authority” – stresses the authoritative nature
• “to speak forth under divine influence” – combines both divine source and human agency
• “to utter forth prophetically” – connects to prophetic tradition

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποφθέγγομαι appears exclusively in Acts, where it characterizes specifically Spirit-empowered speech. Its first and most significant occurrence is in Acts 2:4, describing the disciples’ Spirit-enabled speech at Pentecost. This usage establishes the word’s connection to the supernatural enabling of the Holy Spirit for proclamation.

The term’s selective usage in Acts suggests a technical meaning for supernatural enablement of speech, distinct from ordinary speaking or teaching. Luke, the author of Acts, appears to reserve this term for moments of particular significance where divine inspiration is notably present.

• “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak [ἀποφθέγγεσθαι] with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” Acts 2:4
• “But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and [ἀπεφθέγξατο] declared to them.” Acts 2:14
• “For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and [ἀποφθεγγομένους] extolling God.” Acts 10:46
• “Paul was [ἀποφθέγγεται] speaking words of sober truth.” Acts 26:25

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of divinely inspired speech was well-established through the oracle at Delphi and other prophetic centers. The priestesses would enter a trance-like state and ἀποφθέγγεσθαι (speak forth) divine messages. However, the New Testament usage transforms this cultural understanding, presenting Spirit-inspired speech as clear, self-controlled, and directed toward proclaiming the truth about the Messiah Yeshua.

The Jewish context is equally significant. The prophetic tradition of Israel included the concept of the רוח הקודש (Ruach HaKodesh – Holy Spirit) coming upon individuals to speak God’s message. This background illuminates why Luke chose ἀποφθέγγομαι to describe the Pentecost experience, linking it to the prophetic tradition while highlighting its unique character in the New Covenant era.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποφθέγγομαι in Acts reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of Spirit-empowered ministry. Unlike ecstatic utterances in pagan religions, this Spirit-inspired speech maintains clarity and purpose while carrying divine authority. It demonstrates how the Holy Spirit works through human faculties rather than bypassing them.

This word choice also highlights the continuity between Old Testament prophecy and New Covenant Spirit-empowerment, while simultaneously showing the universal accessibility of Spirit-inspired speech in the New Covenant era. The democratization of this divine enabling, predicted in Joel 2:28-29, finds its fulfillment in the events described using ἀποφθέγγομαι.

Moreover, the term underscores the sovereignty of God in inspiration while maintaining human agency in proclamation. The middle voice of the verb perfectly captures this divine-human synergy in Spirit-empowered ministry.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποφθέγγομαι encourages believers to recognize that Spirit-empowered speech is not limited to the apostolic era but remains available for contemporary ministry. When we speak forth God’s truth under the Spirit’s influence, we participate in a tradition that spans from the ancient prophets through the apostles to today’s Spirit-filled proclamation.

This understanding should both humble and embolden us – humble in recognizing our dependence on the Spirit’s enabling, and embolden in knowing that the same Spirit who inspired the apostles’ speech continues to work through yielded vessels today.

Related Words

• λαλέω (laleo, lal-eh’-o) – to talk, chatter, more general term for speaking – contrasts with ἀποφθέγγομαι’s specific divine inspiration focus See G2980
• προφητεύω (propheteuo, prof-ate-yoo’-o) – to prophesy, closely related but broader term for prophetic speech See G4395
• φθέγγομαι (phtheggomai, ftheng’-om-ahee) – to utter, the root word without the specialized divine aspect See G5350
• κηρύσσω (kerusso, kay-roos’-so) – to herald, proclaim – emphasizes the public declaration aspect See G2784

Did you Know?

• The word ἀποφθέγγομαι appears in ancient Greek medical literature describing the moment when someone awakens from a trance and speaks their first words, highlighting its connection to extraordinary states of consciousness and divine inspiration.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀποφθέγγομαι (αποφθέγγομαι) to describe particularly weighty or memorable sayings, preserving some of its ancient gravitas.
• The term was used in ancient Greek philosophical writings to describe moments when students would suddenly express profound insights, suggesting a connection between divine inspiration and intellectual illumination.

Remember This

ἀποφθέγγομαι represents the perfect union of divine inspiration and human expression, where the Spirit’s power meets human speech to declare God’s truth with supernatural authority and clarity.