### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **álalos**, represented by `{{G216}}`, is a term for **mute** or **dumb**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the negative particle Α and the verb `laléō` (to talk), it literally signifies an inability to speak.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G216}}` is used exclusively in the Gospel of Mark to describe an inability to speak, often linked to spiritual affliction. A father brings his son to Jesus, describing him as having a **dumb** spirit [[Mark 9:17]]. Jesus addresses this spirit directly, commanding the "**dumb** and deaf spirit" to come out of the boy [[Mark 9:25]]. The word is also used to summarize the crowd's astonishment at Jesus's power, marveling that He "maketh...the **dumb** to speak" [[Mark 7:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the condition and its remedy:
* `{{G2974}}` **kōphós** (deaf, dumb, speechless): This word is frequently paired with `álalos`, describing conditions that affect hearing and speech. Jesus makes the **deaf** hear and the dumb speak [[Mark 7:37]].
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk, i.e. utter words): As the root of `álalos`, this verb represents the ability to speak that is restored by Jesus. The crowd's amazement is that Jesus makes the dumb **to speak** [[Mark 7:37]].
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (a spirit): In two of its three appearances, `álalos` is explicitly linked to a **spirit** as the cause of the affliction, as in the case of the boy with a "dumb **spirit**" [[Mark 9:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G216}}` is demonstrated through Jesus's ministry:
* **Authority Over Affliction:** The use of `{{G216}}` consistently points to Jesus's divine authority. He doesn't just treat a symptom; He directly **charges** `{{G2004}}` and **rebukes** `{{G2008}}` the "foul spirit" `{{G169}}` causing the silence, demonstrating his power over forces that bind humanity [[Mark 9:25]].
* **Miraculous Restoration:** The healing of the **dumb** is presented as a profound miracle that leaves the people "beyond measure" `{{G5249}}` "astonished" `{{G1605}}`. It serves as a clear sign of divine power at work, leading them to declare that Jesus "hath done all things well" [[Mark 7:37]].
* **Spiritual Bondage:** The connection between being **dumb** and the presence of a "dumb spirit" `{{G4151}}` illustrates a theological link between physical suffering and spiritual bondage. The inability to speak is portrayed not as a simple physical defect but as an external affliction imposed by a spirit [[Mark 9:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G216}}` is more than a clinical description of being mute. Within its scriptural context, it signifies a condition of powerlessness and spiritual affliction that highlights the restorative and authoritative ministry of Jesus. Its few appearances are potent, illustrating Christ's ability to unbind what is bound and bring speech where there is silence, astonishing all who witness it.
TRV