ef´a -tha , ef -a´tha ( Ἐφφαθά , Ephphathá ): Aramaic word used by Christ (Mark 7:34 ), the 'Ethpa'al imperative of Aramaic pethaḥ (Hebrew pāthaḥ ), translated, "Be (thou) opened"; compare Isaiah 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.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
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