### 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.
TRV