Original Word: σιγάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sigaó
Pronunciation: see-GAH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (see-gah'-o)
Definition: intrans: I am silent, keep silence; trans: I keep secret; pass: I am kept secret.
Meaning: To be silent, to keep silence, to hold one's peace.

Word Origin: From the root σιγή (sigē), meaning "silence" or "quiet."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H2790 (חָרַשׁ, charash): To be silent, to hold peace, often used in contexts of refraining from speech or remaining quiet.
• H1826 (דָּמַם, damam): To be still, silent, or dumb, frequently used to describe a state of quietness or cessation of speech.

These Hebrew entries reflect similar themes of silence and restraint in speech, paralleling the Greek concept of σιγάω in the New Testament.

Usage: The verb σιγάω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of being silent or refraining from speech. It can imply a voluntary silence or a commanded quietness, often in contexts where speaking is either unnecessary or inappropriate.

Context: The Greek verb σιγάω appears in several New Testament passages, illustrating various contexts where silence is either observed or commanded. It is often used to denote a respectful or contemplative silence, as well as a strategic or necessary withholding of speech.

• Luke 9:36 (BSB): "After the voice had spoken, they found Jesus alone. The disciples kept silent and in those days did not tell anyone what they had seen." Here, σιγάω is used to describe the disciples' choice to remain silent about the transfiguration of Jesus, indicating a reverent or awe-filled silence.

• Acts 12:17 (BSB): "Motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison." In this instance, σιγάω is used to command silence, allowing Peter to recount his miraculous escape from prison without interruption.

• Romans 16:25 (BSB): "Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past." While σιγάω is not directly used in this verse, the concept of a "mystery concealed" aligns with the idea of something kept silent or hidden until the appropriate time.

• 1 Corinthians 14:28 (BSB): "But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God." Here, σιγάω is used in the context of orderly worship, where speaking in tongues without interpretation is to be met with silence to maintain order and edification within the church.

The use of σιγάω in the New Testament underscores the importance of discernment in speech, highlighting moments where silence serves a greater purpose, whether it be for reflection, reverence, or maintaining order.

Word Origin
from sigé
Definition
to keep silent, to keep secret
NASB Translation
became silent (1), keep silent (3), kept secret (1), kept silent (2), quiet (1), silent (1), stopped speaking (1).

STRONGS NT 4601: σιγάω

σιγάω, σίγω; 1 aorist ἐσίγησα; perfect passive participle σεσιγημενος; (σιγή); from Homer down; to keep silence, hold one's peace: Luke 9:36; Luke 18:39 L T Tr WH; (Luke 20:26); Acts 12:17; Acts 15:12; 1 Corinthians 14:28, 30, 34; passive, to be kept in silence, be concealed, Romans 16:25. (Synonym: see ἡσυχάζω.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

hold peace, be silent

From sige; to keep silent (transitively or intransitively) -- keep close (secret, silence), hold peace.

see GREEK sige

Forms and Transliterations

εσίγησα εσιγησαν εσίγησαν ἐσίγησαν εσίγησε Εσιγησεν Ἐσίγησεν σεσιγημενου σεσιγημένου σίγα σιγαν σιγάν σιγᾷν σιγᾶν σιγατω σιγάτω σιγατωσαν σιγάτωσαν σιγησαι σιγήσαι σιγῆσαι σιγήσετε σιγηση σιγήσῃ σιγήσης σιγήσομαι σιγών esigesan esigēsan esígesan esígēsan Esigesen Esigēsen Esígesen Esígēsen sesigemenou sesigeménou sesigēmenou sesigēménou sigā̂in sigan sigato sigatō sigáto sigátō sigatosan sigatōsan sigátosan sigátōsan sigesai sigêsai sigēsai sigē̂sai sigese sigēsē sigḗsei sigḗsēi

Links

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