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φημί

phēmí

G5346 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To say, to speak, to declare; denotes the act of expressing an idea, thought, or statement in words, frequently with a sense of affirming or stating something explicitly. While primarily a verb of reporting speech, it often carries a connotation of making a pronouncement or issuing a formal or significant utterance, as opposed to simply chatting or narrating.

Semantic Range

to say, to speak, to declare, to affirm, to pronounce, to make known by speaking, to express a statement or opinion

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root φη- (to speak, to declare), related to the base of φῶς (light) and φαίνω (to bring to light, to make appear). The core semantic connection is the act of bringing something to light or making something known, which in this case refers to verbal expression. The relationship to φαίνω is metaphorical: 'to shine' or 'to make visible' relates to 'to make known' by speaking.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, φημί is a more formal or literary term for 'say,' less common in everyday discourse than λέγω. It appears frequently in reported speech, especially in direct quotations introducing what someone says (e.g., ἔφη, 'he said'). In the Septuagint and New Testament, φημί is comparatively rare compared to λέγω, often found in formulaic or elevated narrative contexts. It usually does not specify the manner or content of speech, only the act of expressing it. English translations often render φημί as 'say' or 'declare,' but its nuance as a literary or narrative report verb can be overlooked. It should be distinguished from λέγω (to say, to speak generally), λαλέω (to talk, to chat), ἀποκρίνομαι (to answer, to respond), and ρηματίζω (to utter, to speak formally). In the aorist (ἔφη), the verb is especially frequent as a narrative device in Greek literature. Its usage mostly signals direct speech or formal affirmation, with limited use for indirect, colloquial, or informal speech.

Translation Consistency

primary "say" 65 occurrences

'Say' is the most natural, versatile English verb that covers the full common range of φημί — to say/says/said/saying — including simple speech and more formal pronouncements. It matches the majority of occurrences (e.g. 'said', 'says') and lets inflected forms read naturally across contexts while remaining consistent and easy to inflect.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

properly, the same as the base of φῶς and φαίνω; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. speak or say:--affirm, say. Compare λέγω.

Root Family

φημί (phēmi) — to speak, to declare, to say

Root φη- to speak, to declare, to say

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5346-01 ἔφη ephe V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG said was declaring he was saying 43
G5346-05 φησιν phesin V PRS ACT IND 3P SG said he/she declares he/she says 17
G5346-03 φημι phemi V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I say I declare I say 4
G5346-02 φασίν phasin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL some affirm they declare they say 1
G5346-04 φησί phesi V PRS ACT IND 3P SG he-says he declares he says 1

Occurrences in Scripture

66 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5346-01 Matthew 4:7 ἔφη ephe V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG said was declaring he was saying
G5346-01 Matthew 8:8 ἔφη ephe V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG said was declaring said
G5346-01 Matthew 13:28 ἔφη ephe V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG said was declaring he was saying
G5346-05 Matthew 13:29 φησιν phesin V PRS ACT IND 3P SG said he/she declares he/she says
G5346-05 Matthew 14:8 φησίν phesin V PRS ACT IND 3P SG she said he/she declares she says
G5346-01 Matthew 17:26 ἔφη ephe V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG said was declaring he was saying
G5346-01 Matthew 19:21 ἔφη ephe V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG said was declaring he was saying
G5346-01 Matthew 21:27 ἔφη ephe V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG He said was declaring he said
G5346-01 Matthew 22:37 ἔφη ephe V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG said was declaring said
G5346-01 Matthew 25:21 ἔφη ephe V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG said was declaring he said
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