Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Definition of ephphatha.


EPHPHATHA - ef'-a-tha, ef-a'-tha (Ephphatha): Aramaic word used by Christ (Mk 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 church’s formula for baptism.

No comments:

Ruth. Part 2.

  Some cheeky haiku A cheeky story unfolds. Widow Naomi eyes kinsman, Boaz. Tells Ruth: Wash, anoint yourself, put on your b...