Definition and Meaning:
Effatha, also spelled "Ephphatha," is an Aramaic word meaning "Be opened." It is most notably used in the New Testament of the Bible in the context of one of Jesus Christ's miracles.

Biblical Reference:
The term "Effatha" is found in the Gospel of Mark, specifically in Mark 7:31-37. In this passage, Jesus heals a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. The Berean Standard Bible records the event as follows:

"Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to Him a man who was deaf and hardly able to speak, and they begged Jesus to place His hand on him. So He took him aside privately, away from the crowd, and put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue. And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, 'Ephphatha!' (which means, 'Be opened!'). Immediately the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly. Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more He ordered them, the more widely they proclaimed it. The people were utterly astonished and said, 'He has done all things well! He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak!'" (Mark 7:31-37).

Context and Significance:
The miracle of healing the deaf and mute man is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and power over physical ailments, affirming His identity as the Messiah. The use of the Aramaic word "Effatha" highlights the personal and intimate nature of Jesus' miracles, as He directly communicates with the afflicted man in a language he would understand.

Secondly, the miracle serves as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Isaiah 35:5-6 prophesies, "Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the mute tongue will shout for joy." Jesus' actions in this miracle align with these messianic expectations, further confirming His role as the promised Savior.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the miracle of "Effatha" symbolizes the opening of spiritual understanding and the breaking of barriers that prevent individuals from fully experiencing the truth of the Gospel. Just as Jesus opened the ears and loosened the tongue of the deaf man, He offers spiritual enlightenment and freedom to those who are spiritually deaf and mute.

The command "Be opened" can also be seen as an invitation to believers to open their hearts and minds to the transformative power of Christ. It underscores the importance of being receptive to God's word and the work of the Holy Spirit in one's life.

Application for Believers:
For contemporary believers, the account of "Effatha" serves as a reminder of Jesus' compassion and His willingness to meet individuals at their point of need. It encourages Christians to seek Jesus for healing, both physically and spiritually, and to trust in His ability to restore and renew.

Additionally, the miracle challenges believers to be open to the work of God in their lives and to be instruments of His grace and healing in the lives of others. It calls for a response of faith and obedience, as well as a commitment to proclaiming the works of Christ, just as the witnesses of the miracle could not keep silent about what they had seen.

Conversion of all that Come.
... proper it became a fact. When the Holy Spirit regenerates a man, it is an
"Effatha," ie, He opens the ear. When He effectually calls ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxix conversion of all that.htm

Effatha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Effatha (1 Occurrence). Mark 7:34 And looking up to heaven,
he sighed, and saith to him, Effatha, that is, Be opened. (WBS). ...
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Effaced (1 Occurrence)

/e/effaced.htm - 6k

Effect (173 Occurrences)

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