φράζω

phrázō

G5419 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To make known, express, announce, or explain. The primary sense involves causing something to be understood, whether through clear verbal expression, pointed announcement, or explicit explanation. In some contexts, it emphasizes clarifying or expounding upon a subject or message.

Semantic Range

to declare, to make clear, to explain, to expound, to announce, to reveal

Root / Etymology

Root: φραζ-; φράζω is related to the root φρα- (to tell, to point out, to explain), which is also seen in words such as φράσις ('expression') and φράζομαι (in middle voice: 'consider, ponder'). There is some relation proposed with φράσσω ('to fence in, block up'), but the primary sense is distinct and centers on utterance and explanation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

φράζω is not common in the New Testament but appears in some later Greek material and is present in the Septuagint, typically in narrative or legal contexts where something is being explained or made explicit. In earlier classical Greek, φράζω and its cognates generally refer to making something clear, telling, or instructing. In its middle and passive forms, related verbs can mean 'to consider' or 'to ponder,' indicating a reflexive sense of bringing to mind. Standard English translations sometimes use 'declare' or 'expound,' but the term may also involve a broader sense of revealing or clarifying, not strictly proclamation. φράζω is distinct from διδάσκω ('to teach') in that it emphasizes clarity or disclosure rather than instructional content.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably akin to φράσσω through the idea of defining; to indicate (by word or act), i.e. (specially), to expound:-- declare.

Root Family

φραζ- (phrázō) — to make known, to express, to explain, to announce

Root φραζ- to make known, to express, to explain, to announce

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5419-01 φράσον phrason V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG explain Consider explain 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5419-01 Matthew 15:15 φράσον phrason V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG explain Consider explain