An Aramaic word preserved in Greek, meaning 'be opened.' Spoken by Jesus healing a deaf man (Mark 7:34). One of Jesus' actual Aramaic words preserved in the Gospels.
Ephphatha is among the ipsissima verba of Jesus. When Jesus says 'Be opened,' deaf ears hear and mute tongues speak. This single word captures the gospel: Jesus opens what sin has closed — ears, eyes, tombs, hearts. The command of Christ creates the capacity to obey it.