### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phimóō**, represented by `{{G5392}}`, means **to muzzle**. Based on the root word for a muzzle, it appears **11 times** across **8 unique verses** in scripture. While its literal definition is to restrain an animal, it is more frequently used figuratively to mean silencing, stilling, or rendering someone speechless.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5392}}` is applied in several distinct contexts. Its most literal meaning is found in passages that quote the Mosaic Law, "Thou shalt not **muzzle** the ox that treadeth out the corn" ([[1 Corinthians 9:9]]; [[1 Timothy 5:18]]). However, the word is also used to demonstrate divine authority, as when Jesus commands the sea, "Peace, be **still**" [[Mark 4:39]] or when he rebukes a demon, saying "Hold thy peace" [[Luke 4:35]]. It can also describe the result of being confronted by truth or authority, as when Jesus **put** the Sadducees **to silence** [[Matthew 22:34]], or when a man without a wedding garment was rendered **speechless** [[Matthew 22:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help to frame the context and meaning of **phimóō**:
* `{{G2008}}` **epitimáō** (to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid:--(straitly) charge, rebuke): This word for "rebuke" is often used as the action that precedes the command to be silent. Jesus first **rebuked** the wind before telling it to "be still" `{{G5392}}` and **rebuked** the unclean spirit before commanding it to "Hold thy peace" `{{G5392}}` ([[Mark 4:39]]; [[Mark 1:25]]).
* `{{G4623}}` **siōpáō** (to be dumb... figuratively, to be calm... dumb, (hold) peace): This word is used in conjunction with `{{G5392}}` in the command to the sea, "Peace `{{G4623}}`, be **still** `{{G5392}}`" [[Mark 4:39]]. It signifies a state of calm or quiet.
* `{{G1055}}` **galḗnē** (tranquillity:--calm): This term describes the result of the command to "be still." After Jesus rebuked the wind and sea, "there was a great **calm**" [[Mark 4:39]], demonstrating the effect of the enforced silence.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{G5392}}` is significant, highlighting themes of authority and subjugation.
* **Absolute Authority over Creation and Spirits:** The use of **phimóō** by Jesus against both natural forces like the wind and sea [[Mark 4:39]] and demonic spirits [[Mark 1:25]] establishes his supreme power to command order and enforce silence.
* **Silencing Opposition through Truth and Action:** The word is used to describe how Jesus intellectually **put** the Sadducees **to silence** [[Matthew 22:34]]. Furthermore, believers are instructed that by doing good they can **put to silence** the ignorance of foolish men [[1 Peter 2:15]], demonstrating that righteous living can be a powerful refutation.
* **The Inability to Speak in Judgment:** A man found improperly dressed at a wedding feast becomes **speechless** `{{G5392}}` before the king [[Matthew 22:12]]. This illustrates a state of having no defense or excuse when confronted by rightful authority.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5392}}` extends far beyond its literal definition of muzzling an animal. It serves as a powerful descriptor for the act of silencing, whether through a direct command of divine authority over nature and spirits, the intellectual defeat of opponents, or the state of being rendered speechless in the face of judgment. The word vividly illustrates the power to impose stillness and quiet upon chaos, opposition, and defiance.
TRV