φήμη

From the study of Matthew 9:26

Range of meaning

Something said and passed around: a report, rumour, news, common talk, and so a person's reputation. In older Greek it could also mean a voice or saying that people took as a sign from the gods (an omen). In the New Testament it appears only here and in Luke 4:14 ('news about him spread through the whole countryside').

Against the English

KJV and YLT say 'fame'. In 1611, 'fame' still meant mainly 'report, rumour, what is said abroad' (from Latin fama, which is also the Vulgate's word here). Modern versions say 'news' or 'report', which is closer for today's reader.

How it drifted

English 'fame' has narrowed to mean celebrity: being widely known and admired. The older sense, 'a report going around', has mostly faded. A modern reader of the KJV may picture Jesus becoming a celebrity, when the text says that word of the event spread.

Used elsewhere in the period

Homer and later classical writers use it for a message or omen-like utterance and for common talk (LSJ). In Hellenistic Greek it is ordinary 'report' or 'reputation'. Josephus and the papyri use it for news or rumour going around. Matthew's usual word for this idea is ἀκοή (akoē, literally 'hearing'), as in 4:24: 'news (akoē) about him spread through all Syria'.