### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apophthéngomai**, represented by `{{G669}}`, means to **enunciate plainly** or **declare**. Its base definition is to "say, speak forth, utterance." It is a specific and relatively rare term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Acts. It is used to describe a particular kind of speech: a clear, authoritative, and often divinely prompted proclamation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The uses of `{{G669}}` occur at pivotal moments in the narrative of the early church. It first describes the moment the disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them **utterance** [[Acts 2:4]]. Shortly after, Peter, empowered by the same Spirit, addressed the crowd in Jerusalem; the word is translated as **said** when he lifted his voice to begin his sermon [[Acts 2:14]]. Finally, when defending his faith before Festus, the Apostle Paul uses the term to insist that he is not mad but **speak[s] forth** the words of truth and soberness [[Acts 26:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the unique meaning of `{{G669}}`:
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk, i.e. utter words): This is a general term for speaking. Its relationship with `{{G669}}` is seen in [[Acts 2:4]], where the disciples began "to **speak**" `{{G2980}}` as the Spirit gave them "utterance" `{{G669}}`, indicating a divinely empowered form of speech.
* `{{G4487}}` **rhēma** (an utterance... a matter or topic): This word for "word" or "saying" is what is delivered through the act of `{{G669}}`. Paul **speak[s] forth** `{{G669}}` the **words** `{{G4487}}` of truth [[Acts 26:25]], and the crowd is told to hearken to Peter's **words** `{{G4487}}` [[Acts 2:14]].
* `{{G1100}}` **glōssa** (the tongue; by implication, a language): This word is directly connected in the first use of `{{G669}}`, where the disciples spoke with other **tongues** `{{G1100}}` through the Spirit's **utterance** `{{G669}}`, highlighting the supernatural context of the speech [[Acts 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G669}}` is evident in its specific contexts.
* **Spirit-Empowered Speech:** The term is intrinsically linked to the work of the Holy Spirit. Its first appearance establishes that this kind of utterance is not self-generated, but is given by the Spirit to believers [[Acts 2:4]].
* **Authoritative Declaration:** The word is used for Peter's foundational sermon at Pentecost [[Acts 2:14]] and Paul's formal defense before a Roman governor [[Acts 26:25]]. In both cases, it signifies a weighty, public, and authoritative proclamation of truth.
* **Clarity and Truth:** Paul explicitly contrasts his act of **speaking forth** `{{G669}}` with madness, connecting it directly to "words of truth and soberness" [[Acts 26:25]]. This emphasizes that this type of inspired speech is lucid, rational, and grounded in truth.
### Summary
In summary, **apophthéngomai** `{{G669}}` is more than a simple synonym for speaking. It is a precise term used in the book of Acts to denote a specific kind of communication: a clear, forceful, and public declaration. Its occurrences link it directly to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit and the proclamation of divine truth in critical moments, whether through supernatural tongues, a foundational sermon, or a bold defense of the faith.
TRV