φθόγγος
phthóngos
G5353 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Articulated sound, specifically a clear tone or note produced by the voice or an instrument. In a broader context, refers to spoken expression, utterance, or a distinct sound (such as a musical note or vocalization). The word emphasizes the clarity or musical quality of the sound produced, whether by human voice or instrument. While typically denoting a musical note or articulate sound, it can also encompass speech or an uttered sound in philosophical or poetic usage.
Semantic Range
articulate sound, musical note, vocal tone, utterance, spoken expression, pronounced sound
Root / Etymology
From the root φθέγγ- (as in φθέγγομαι, 'to produce a clear sound, to utter'), indicating something uttered or sounded aloud, especially articulated or musical sound. No evidence for derivation outside Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
φθόγγος appears primarily in Hellenistic and later Greek literature, including philosophical and musical contexts. In Classical Greek, it is less common but occurs in discussions of music and linguistics to describe an articulate sound, note, or sometimes any sort of utterance. In the Septuagint (e.g., Psalm 18:4 LXX), it denotes a line or sound as 'voice' or 'utterance.' In the New Testament (Romans 10:18), it is used to translate the Hebrew קוֹל ('voice, sound') from Psalm 19:4 (MT), emphasizing the idea of an intelligible proclamation or resonant utterance. English Bible translations often simplify φθόγγος to 'sound,' but the word signifies articulate or meaningful sound rather than an indistinct noise. It is distinct from φωνή, which can refer to any voice or sound, and from ῥῆμα or λόγος, which emphasize articulated speech or message. The semantic field can encompass musical and rhetorical contexts, highlighting clarity, musicality, and articulation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from φθέγγομαι; utterance, i.e. a musical note (vocal or instrumental):--sound.
Root Family
φθόγγος (phthongos) — articulate sound, musical note, vocal tone, utterance
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5353-01 |
φθόγγοις | phthoggois | N DAT M PL |
sounds | with articulated sounds | with articulated sounds | 1 |
G5353-02 |
φθόγγος | phthoggos | N NOM M SG |
voice | articulated sound | articulated sound | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5353-02 |
Romans 10:18 | φθόγγος | phthoggos | N NOM M SG |
voice | articulated sound | articulated sound |
G5353-01 |
1 Corinthians 14:7 | φθόγγοις | phthoggois | N DAT M PL |
sounds | with articulated sounds | with articulated sounds |