5: Ephphatha — אֶפְתַּח

1. Term: Ephphatha — אֶפְתַּח

Meaning: “Be opened!” — A command spoken by Jesus to heal a man who was deaf and mute.

2. Historical-Cultural Context:

  • Aramaic was the common spoken language in first-century Palestine.
  • This command shows Jesus’ authoritative spoken word effecting healing and restoration.
  • The use of Aramaic phrases in the Greek New Testament preserves the original words of Jesus, emphasizing authenticity.

3. Literary Examples:

  • Mark 7:34 — “And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened!’”
  • The healing demonstrates Jesus’ power over physical ailments and spiritual barriers.

4. Cultural Significance:

  • Ephphatha exemplifies the power of Jesus’ words and the personal nature of his miracles.
  • It highlights the importance of hearing and speech in human communication and spiritual openness.
  • The phrase remains a profound symbol in Christian liturgy and prayer.
Home