ἡσυχάζω
hēsycházō
G2270 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be quiet or at rest; to remain in a state of silence or calm, to abstain from activity or disturbance. Core meaning is to be (physically, socially, or mentally) still or at rest. Contextually, it extends to refraining from action (such as labor or disturbance), from speech, or from taking part in disputes or active concerns. In some contexts, it conveys maintaining social order or refraining from meddling, as well as displaying composure or serenity.
Semantic Range
to be quiet, to be silent, to rest, to abstain from action, to refrain from disturbance, to maintain composure or calm, to cease from work or speech, to be tranquil
Root / Etymology
From ἡσύχιος (hēsychios, 'quiet, tranquil') with the denominative verbal suffix -άζω, forming a verb meaning 'to behave or act quietly.' Root ultimately from ἡσυ- ('quiet, tranquil').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, ἡσυχάζω means 'to be at rest' or 'to be silent/calm,' used both literally (physical stillness, quietness) and figuratively (mental composure, societal peace). In Hellenistic/Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it frequently denotes refraining from outward activities—such as refraining from political unrest, ceasing public or social disturbance, or not speaking disruptively. In the LXX, it often describes the cessation of war or the enjoyment of peace (cf. Judges 5:31). In the New Testament (e.g., Luke 14:4; Acts 11:18), it usually refers to keeping silent or holding one's peace in social interactions. English translations frequently render it 'to be quiet' or 'to be silent,' but the term can also convey deeper senses of restfulness or maintaining order, not merely the absence of sound. Distinct from related terms such as σιγάω (focus on muteness or silence in speech), ἡσυχάζω carries the notion of abstaining from action or disturbance (physical, social, or mental).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as ἡσύχιος; to keep still (intransitively), i.e. refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech:--cease, hold peace, be quiet, rest.
Root Family
ἡσυχάζω (hēsychazō) — to be quiet, to be at rest, to be silent, to be tranquil
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2270-02 |
ἡσύχασαν | esuchasan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
kept silent | they were quiet | 3 |
G2270-01 |
ἡσυχάσαμεν | esuchasamen | V AOR ACT IND 1P PL |
we ceased | we became quiet | 1 |
G2270-03 |
ἡσυχάζειν | esuchazein | V PRS ACT INF |
to lead a quiet life | to remain quiet | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2270-02 |
Luke 14:4 | ἡσύχασαν | esuchasan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
kept silent | they were quiet |
G2270-02 |
Luke 23:56 | ἡσύχασαν | esuchasan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they rested | they were quiet |
G2270-02 |
Acts 11:18 | ἡσύχασαν | esuchasan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they were silent | they were quiet |
G2270-01 |
Acts 21:14 | ἡσυχάσαμεν | esuchasamen | V AOR ACT IND 1P PL |
we ceased | we became quiet |
G2270-03 |
1 Thessalonians 4:11 | ἡσυχάζειν | esuchazein | V PRS ACT INF |
to lead a quiet life | to remain quiet |