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φωνή

phōnḗ

G5456 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A sound produced by the voice or by an object; in human contexts, speech, a cry, or a voice; more broadly, any audible noise or utterance, including but not limited to spoken language. Depending on the context, may refer specifically to the voice of a person or being, the cry or call of animals, inanimate sounds, or even a message or utterance (sometimes divinely inspired).

Semantic Range

sound (human or inanimate), voice, cry, shout, utterance, speech, message (by voice), noise, report (as an oral proclamation), the sound made by animals or objects

Root / Etymology

From the root φων-, which refers to the act of producing sound or speech. Cognate with φαίνω is uncertain; while the Strong's entry notes a possible connection 'through the idea of disclosure,' classical and Koine lexicography traces the term directly to φωνή, rooted in the concept of sound or voice rather than light or appearance. Related to the Proto-Indo-European *bheh₂- 'to speak, to say.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, φωνή refers broadly to any sound, particularly that made by the voice (of humans, animals, or even inanimate objects). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek—including the Septuagint and New Testament—its usage expands to any sound, but it most often denotes an articulate human voice or speech, an audible utterance, or a cry. The Septuagint frequently uses φωνή to translate Hebrew קוֹל (qol), covering senses from the sound of thunder, musical instruments, or speech. In the New Testament, φωνή can mean a natural sound (as in a noise or thunder), a person's literal voice, or a message delivered by voice (including pronouncements, divine declarations, or calls from heaven). Sometimes used metonymically for the content of the message itself (i.e., 'the message' or 'the words spoken'). Standard English translations usually render φωνή as 'voice,' 'sound,' or 'noise,' but may obscure its broader semantic range. In contrast to λόγος, which emphasizes semantic content, φωνή focuses on the audible, physical aspect of speech or sound, regardless of meaning.

Translation Consistency

primary "voice" 140 occurrences

φωνά (phōnḗ) most commonly denotes a voice or vocal sound (human, divine, or animal) and the data show 'voice' is overwhelmingly the attested English rendering. 'Voice' is natural English, covers speech, cry, shout, and audible utterance, and will provide consistent, idiomatic renderings across contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably akin to φαίνω through the idea of disclosure; a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language:--noise, sound, voice.

Root Family

φωνή (phōnē) — sound, voice, cry

Root φων- sound, voice, cry

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5456-04 φωνὴ phone N NOM F SG voice voice voice 66
G5456-05 φωνὴν phonen N ACC F SG voice a sound a voice 40
G5456-06 φωνῆς phones N GEN F SG voice of a sound voice 23
G5456-01 φωναὶ phonai N NOM F PL voices voices voices 6
G5456-07 φωνῶν phonon N GEN F PL sounds of voices of voices 2
G5456-03 φωνὰς phonas N ACC F PL voices voices voices 2
G5456-02 φωναῖς phonais N DAT F PL with voices with voices with voices 1

Occurrences in Scripture

140 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5456-04 Matthew 2:18 φωνὴ phone N NOM F SG A voice voice voice
G5456-04 Matthew 3:3 φωνὴ phone N NOM F SG voice voice voice
G5456-04 Matthew 3:17 φωνὴ phone N NOM F SG a voice voice voice
G5456-05 Matthew 12:19 φωνὴν phonen N ACC F SG voice a sound a voice
G5456-04 Matthew 17:5 φωνὴ phone N NOM F SG voice voice voice
G5456-04 Matthew 27:46 φωνῇ phone N DAT F SG voice voice voice
G5456-04 Matthew 27:50 φωνῇ phone N DAT F SG voice voice with a voice
G5456-04 Mark 1:3 φωνὴ phone N NOM F SG voice voice voice
G5456-04 Mark 1:11 φωνὴ phone N NOM F SG a voice voice voice
G5456-04 Mark 1:26 φωνῇ phone N DAT F SG with a voice voice with a voice
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