φράσσω
phrássō
G5420 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To fence in, enclose, or block a passage; to shut off access, block, or obstruct; in extended or metaphorical use, to silence or render speechless by cutting off the ability to respond. The core meaning is to create a physical or metaphorical barrier, which may take specialized form in certain contexts (such as blocking up a road or figuratively preventing someone from speaking).
Semantic Range
to fence in, to build a barrier, to close off a passage, to block up an entrance, to stop up (mouth or path), to silence metaphorically, to prevent speech or response
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Greek root φρα-, related to φράζω (phrazō, to tell, point out, explain) and possibly connected with φρήν (phrēn, mind) by way of indicating boundaries—etymological relationship debated; more likely, φράσσω is an older stem distinct from φράζω, and is attested in several dialectal and later Koine forms. The root sense involves the idea of enclosing or making a barrier.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, φράσσω is attested in the sense of building a fence, constructing walls, shutting off or closing a passage, or otherwise effecting a barricade; often used of blocking roads (Herodotus, Thucydides) or physical entrances. In the Septuagint and New Testament, its use is rarer but more metaphorical: it may refer to rendering someone unable to speak, as in 'silencing' or stopping their mouth (Rom 3:19). The translation tradition often renders it 'stop' or 'silence,' but the root idea remains that of physically or conceptually creating an obstruction. Related terms: φράζω (to declare), which is semantically distinct; θλίβω (to press, oppress) conveys constriction rather than blockage. Later patristic or Byzantine Greek continues the sense of enclosing, fencing, or barring. English versions often restrict the word to the sense of 'silence' or 'stop,' especially in New Testament idioms, but this narrows its broader connotation of forming a barrier.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a strengthening form of the base of φρήν; to fence or inclose, i.e. (specially), to block up (figuratively, to silence):--stop.
Root Family
φρα- (phrássō) — to fence, to enclose, to block, to obstruct
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5420-01 |
ἔφραξαν | ephraxan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
stopped | they blocked off | they blocked off | 1 |
G5420-02 |
φραγῇ | phrage | V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG |
may be stopped | may be blocked off | may be shut | 1 |
G5420-03 |
φραγήσεται | phragesetai | V FUT PASS IND 3P SG |
will be stopped | will be blocked off | will be blocked off | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5420-02 |
Romans 3:19 | φραγῇ | phrage | V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG |
may be stopped | may be blocked off | may be shut |
G5420-03 |
2 Corinthians 11:10 | φραγήσεται | phragesetai | V FUT PASS IND 3P SG |
will be stopped | will be blocked off | will be blocked off |
G5420-01 |
Hebrews 11:33 | ἔφραξαν | ephraxan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
stopped | they blocked off | they blocked off |