Word Study for G5420 (φράσσω)

phrássō /fras'-so/ Ask about this word

Rootapparently a strengthening form of the base of φρήν

Meaningto fence or inclose, i.e. (specially), to block up (figuratively, to silence)

KJV usagestop.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of phrássō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word phrássō, represented by G5420, means to fence in, block up, or, figuratively, to silence or stop. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The word conveys a powerful sense of obstruction, whether it is silencing a voice, halting a physical threat, or preventing an action.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its scriptural occurrences, G5420 is used in distinct contexts to illustrate different forms of silencing. In Romans 3:19, the law G3551 speaks to those under it with the specific purpose that every mouth G4750 may be stopped, rendering the entire world G2889 guilty G5267 before God. In a display of divine power, Hebrews 11:33 recounts how heroes of faith G4102 stopped the mouths G4750 of lions G3023. Lastly, in 2 Corinthians 11:10, Paul uses the term to express his unwavering resolve, declaring that no one will stop his boasting G2746 about the truth G225 of Christ G5547 in the regions G2824 of Achaia G882.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G5420 in its context:

G4750 stóma (mouth): This is the object being stopped in two of the three verses, representing human speech, excuses, or the physical threat of a predator (Romans 3:19, Hebrews 11:33).
G5267 hypódikos (guilty): This term describes the direct result of every mouth being stopped by the law; it means to be under sentence or condemned Romans 3:19.
G4102 pístis (faith): This is the means by which believers subdued kingdoms and stopped the mouths of lions, defined as a moral conviction and reliance upon Christ Hebrews 11:33.
G4972 sphragízō (stop): Used in conjunction with phrássō in 2 Corinthians 11:10, this word for sealing or stamping for security intensifies the idea of an unbreakable resolve to prevent something from being stopped.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G5420 is demonstrated in its varied applications.

Universal Accountability: The primary theological function is seen in the context of the law. The law's purpose is not to save but to stop every mouth from making excuses, thereby proving that all the world may become G1096 guilty G5267 before God G2316 Romans 3:19.
The Power of Faith: The act of stopping the mouths of lions G3023 through faith G4102 serves as a powerful illustration of God's ability to protect His people and grant them authority over seemingly insurmountable dangers Hebrews 11:33.
Apostolic Resolve: For Paul, the word signifies an unstoppable commitment. He asserts that his divinely sanctioned boasting G2746 in Christ will not be fenced in or silenced by any opponent, confirming the unassailable truth G225 of his message 2 Corinthians 11:10.

Summary

In summary, G5420 is a potent word that goes beyond a simple command to cease. It carries the weight of legal judgment that silences all self-defense, the supernatural power of faith that overcomes mortal threats, and the unyielding determination of one proclaiming God's truth. Whether silencing a legal argument or a lion's roar, phrássō demonstrates a definitive and forceful halt.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

2nd Aorist Passive Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
2nd Future Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×

Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Future: Action yet to take place.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Romans, 2 Corinthians, and Hebrews (1 verse each); never once in the other 24.

Romans

2 Corinthians

Hebrews

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.