The Greek adjective alalos means unable to speak, mute, or dumb. In the Gospels, it describes individuals bound by evil spirits that prevented them from speaking.
Jesus' healing of the deaf-mute (Mark 9:17–29) involves casting out an "unclean spirit" that made the boy alalos — mute. The father's cry, "I believe; help my unbelief!" is one of Scripture's most honest prayers. The inability to speak is a picture of spiritual bondage: sin silences worship, fear silences confession, and shame silences testimony. Christ's deliverance restores the voice. The redeemed are those who once could not praise but now cry "Abba, Father."