[Greek] φιμόω (phimoō), [Latin] mutescere, [Latin] tacere, [Latin] alligare: to say nothing, to muzzle, to put to silence, to cease to make a sound; Mt.22:12,34, Mk.1:25, Mk.4:39, Lk.4:35, 1Cor.9:9, 1Tim.5:18, 1Pet.2:15
Like the disciples (Mk. 4:39), many of us are in the same boat asking and pleading for Jesus for the storms in our lives to subside.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to muzzle, to close, to seal up, to put to silence, to be mute, and to be silent. Aristophanes’ Clouds 592 states “If you should convict the cormorant Cleon of bribery and embezzlement, then make fast his neck in the stocks.” Aristotle Politics 1.260 states “Hence we must hold that all of these persons have their appropriate virtues, as the poet said of woman; ‘Silence gives grace to women, though that is not the case likewise with a man.’” (This becomes a back-ended insult to women).
Old Testament: This term means to muzzle and to stop up. You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out grain (Deut.25:4). On that day I will give God a place for his tomb in Israel, the Valley of Abarim, east of the sea. It will block the way of travelers (Eze.39:11).
New Testament: This term means to muzzle, to silence, to be silenced, and to say nothing. A guest, without a wedding garment, showed up at the wedding. When asked by the king why he had no wedding garment, the guest was reduced to silence. In their attempt to trick Jesus about marriage in heaven, the Sadducees were silenced by Jesus. Jesus rebuked the wind for the disciples. Man’s rights and responsibilities are inferred from the state law of Moses. It is through the will of God that doing good will silence the ignorance of foolish people.
Scripture:
“He said to him, ‘my friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence.” Mt.22:12
This makes reference to the parable of the wedding feast. The wedding garment refers to the change of heart, mind, and repentance necessary for entrance into heaven.
“When the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.” Mt.22:34
The Sadducees tried to trick Jesus about marriage commitments in heaven. Jesus points out that marriage will no longer exist in heaven.
“For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people.” 1Pet.2:15
Christian freedom results from being servants to others. Yet, Christians must still be subject to human institutions.
Etymology: The Latin verb tacere means to be silent, to leave unmentioned, and to pass over in silence. Tacit means unspoken but implied. Taciturn means non-talkative. The Latin verb mutescere means to become silent. The Latin verb alligare means to bind, to detain, and to hinder. Alligation is the process of binding or tying. An alligator is a creature that ties or binds.
Conclusion:
Tacit, taciturn, mute, muted, alligator, alligate, alligation
In Greek Hellenism, this term is used both literally and metaphorically. Fastening one’s neck in a stock was a form of punishment. Many past cultures were patriarchal in allowing very few freedoms, rights, and liberties to women. Bestowing silence as a grace to women was a back-handed way in saying that women must be silent or quiet. Aristotle held that women were inferior.
In the Old Testament, stopping the noses of passengers means refers to the stench given off.
In the New Testament, this term is used to effectively silence (muzzle) others, winds, and spirits in various ways. It is interesting to learn that Christian serving can silence the ignorance of foolish people.
I bet you never thought that alligators would come up.
This ends the posts of silence.
Let me end with The Simpsons asking the important question…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eebBRsm7Pxc