### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G2974}}` (κωφός, *kōphós*) derives from κόπτω (*koptō*), meaning "to strike" or "to cut," which can lead to the idea of something being "blunted" or "dulled." In its primary semantic range, `{{G2974}}` refers to a physical impairment of the senses, specifically in two distinct but often co-occurring capacities:
1. **Deafness:** An inability to hear. This is the most direct application of "blunted" hearing.
2. **Muteness/Speechlessness:** An inability to speak. This condition often accompanies deafness, as hearing is crucial for language acquisition and speech development. However, it can also refer to muteness caused by other afflictions (e.g., demonic possession).
Thus, `{{G2974}}` can denote someone who is "deaf," "dumb," or "deaf and dumb." The context typically clarifies which specific impairment, or combination thereof, is intended.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G2974}}` appears frequently in the Synoptic Gospels, almost exclusively in the context of Jesus' ministry of healing and exorcism, thereby highlighting his divine power and messianic identity.
* **Physical Affliction and Healing:** Jesus encounters many individuals described as κωφός. In [[Matthew 9:32-33]], a demon-possessed man is brought to Jesus who is described as κωφός. Upon the demon's expulsion, the man speaks, demonstrating Jesus' authority over spiritual forces that cause physical ailments. Similarly, [[Matthew 12:22]] describes a man who is both τυφλὸς (blind) and κωφός (mute), whose healing leads the crowds to question if Jesus is the Son of David.
* **The Deaf and Mute Man of Decapolis:** A pivotal account is found in [[Mark 7:31-37]], where Jesus heals a man who is κωφὸς and has a speech impediment (μογιλάλος). Jesus takes him aside, puts His fingers in the man's ears, spits, touches his tongue, looks up to heaven, sighs, and says "Ephphatha" (Aramaic for "Be opened"). Immediately, the man's ears are opened, and his tongue is loosed, and he speaks plainly. This miracle vividly illustrates Jesus' direct engagement with human suffering and his power to restore.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The healing of the κωφός is presented as a sign of the Messianic age, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. When John the Baptist's disciples ask Jesus if He is "the Coming One," Jesus replies by pointing to the signs of His ministry: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" [[Matthew 11:5]], reiterated in [[Luke 7:22]]. This directly echoes prophecies such as [[Isaiah 35:5-6]], where it is foretold that "the ears of the deaf will be unstopped, and the tongue of the mute will shout for joy."
* **Temporary Muteness:** In [[Luke 1:20]] and [[Luke 1:22]], Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, is struck κωφὸς (mute) as a sign of his unbelief regarding the angel Gabriel's prophecy. His speech is restored upon the naming of his son, John, in [[Luke 1:64]]. This instance demonstrates that the condition could also be a temporary divine judgment or sign.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G2974}}` is often used in conjunction with or in parallel to other terms describing physical impairments or the faculties involved:
* `{{G5088}}` (τυφλός, *typhlos*): Blind. Often paired with κωφός in descriptions of those Jesus healed, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of His restorative power (e.g., [[Matthew 12:22]]).
* ἄλαλος (*alalos*): Mute, speechless. This term, derived from α (not) and λαλέω (to speak), emphasizes the inability to speak, and is sometimes used alongside or as a synonym for the "dumb" aspect of `{{G2974}}`, particularly in [[Mark 7:37]].
* ἀκοή (*akoē*): Hearing, a report. The faculty of hearing, which is impaired in the κωφός.
* φωνή (*phōnē*): Voice, sound. The ability to produce sound, which is absent in the mute κωφός.
* In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalents include `{{H2795}}` (*ḥērēš*), which can mean both "deaf" and "dumb," and `{{H483}}` (*ʾillēm*), meaning "mute" or "dumb." These terms are similarly used in prophetic contexts concerning the Messianic age.
* The concept of κωφός also contrasts with the spiritual ability to "hear" and "speak" God's truth, though `{{G2974}}` itself is not typically used metaphorically for spiritual deafness in the New Testament. However, the physical healing opens the way for spiritual understanding and witness.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{G2974}}` in the New Testament carry profound theological weight:
* **Demonstration of Divine Authority:** Jesus' ability to heal the κωφός underscores his absolute authority over physical ailments, disease, and demonic forces. These healings are not mere acts of compassion but powerful manifestations of God's Kingdom breaking into the human realm.
* **Messianic Validation:** The healing of the deaf and mute directly fulfills Old Testament prophecies, particularly from Isaiah, identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah. The restoration of these faculties serves as irrefutable evidence of His divine commission and identity, silencing doubts and confirming His claims.
* **Restoration and Wholeness:** The healing of the κωφός symbolizes God's desire for human wholeness and restoration. It speaks to a future eschatological reality where all brokenness, both physical and spiritual, will be mended. The restoration of hearing allows for reception of God's word, and the restoration of speech allows for praise and testimony.
* **The Kingdom of God Inaugurated:** These miracles are tangible signs that the Kingdom of God has drawn near in the person of Jesus. They are foretastes of the complete renewal that will characterize the new heavens and new earth, where there will be no more suffering or impairment.
* **Compassion of Christ:** Beyond the theological implications, Jesus' interaction with the κωφός reveals His deep compassion for the afflicted. He often takes them aside, engages them personally, and performs acts of healing that are intimate and direct, demonstrating His profound empathy.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G2974}}` (κωφός, *kōphós*) denotes a person who is physically "deaf" or "mute" (dumb), or both. Its primary significance in the New Testament lies in its extensive use within the Gospel accounts of Jesus' miracles. The healing of the κωφός serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine authority over physical infirmity and demonic oppression, a direct fulfillment of Old Testament Messianic prophecy (e.g., Isaiah 35:5-6), and a vivid sign of the inaugurated Kingdom of God. These acts underscore Jesus' profound compassion and His mission to bring restoration and wholeness to humanity, enabling those who were once unable to hear to receive truth, and those unable to speak to declare God's praise.
TRV