Bible Dictionary
Ephphatha
Ephphatha is an Aramaic command meaning “Be opened.” Jesus spoke it when healing a man who was deaf and had difficulty speaking.
Definition
Ephphatha is an Aramaic imperative meaning “Be opened.” It is the Greek form of a Syro-Chaldaic expression spoken by Jesus.
Biblical Usage
Jesus uttered Ephphatha when healing a man who was deaf and had difficulty speaking, as recorded in Mark 7:34. Its preservation is characteristic of Mark’s practice of reporting some Aramaic words spoken by Jesus.
Historical Background
Aramaic was the popular language of Palestine. The word’s preservation, together with Jesus’ accompanying action of touching the man with a moistened finger, made a strong impression and contributed to a corresponding Roman Catholic baptismal ceremony.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Greek form of a Syro-Chaldaic or Aramaic word, meaning “Be opened,” uttered by Christ when healing the man who was deaf and dumb (Mark 7:34). It is one of the characteristics of Mark that he uses the very Aramaic words which fell from our Lord’s lips. (See 3:17; 5:41; 7:11; 14:36; 15:34.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ef'-a-tha, ef-a'-tha (Ephphatha):</p><p>Aramaic word used by Christ (Mr 7:34), the 'ethpa`al imperative of Aramaic pethach (Hebrew pathach), translated, "Be (thou) opened"; compare Isa 35:5. The Aramaic was the sole popular language of Palestine (Shurer, History of the Jewish People in the Time of Jesus Christ, IIg, 9) and its use shows that we have here the graphic report of an eyewitness, upon whom the dialectic form employed made a deep impression. This and the corresponding act of the touch with the moistened finger is the foundation of a corresponding ceremony in the Roman Catholic formula for baptism.</p>