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ἡσυχία

hēsychía

G2271 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἡσυχ- to be quiet, to be still, to rest, to be tranquil

Definition

A state or condition of being quiet or at rest; tranquility, absence of noise or disturbance. The term also conveys the sense of disciplined stillness, restraint from activity, or refusal to engage in controversy or public discourse. In certain contexts, it indicates a settled, calm state as opposed to agitation or public display, emphasizing the virtue of living or acting quietly.

Semantic Range

quietness, tranquility, stillness, calmness, absence of disturbance, disciplined restraint from public speech or activity, peacefulness, modest conduct

Root / Etymology

From ἡσύχιος (hēsychios), meaning 'quiet, tranquil, at rest,' combined with the feminine abstract noun ending -ία (-ia). Related to the root ἡσυχ- (hēsych-), which pertains to calmness and rest.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἡσυχία commonly denoted tranquility, stillness, or peace—used both of places and inner states. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term broadened to include social quietness: refraining from political agitation, ceasing from public unrest, or (in personal conduct) modest self-restraint and avoidance of disruptive speech or activity. In some philosophical and ethical texts, ἡσυχία is considered a virtue related to moderation of speech and demeanor. In the Septuagint, the term often translates Hebrew concepts relating to peace or restful cessation of activity. In the New Testament, it frequently refers to a mode of life characterized by restraint from public teaching or speech, especially in exhortations for orderly conduct within assemblies or domestic contexts (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:11-12), where it involves respectful silence or subdued participation. Traditional English translations as 'quietness' or 'silence' can obscure the nuance that ἡσυχία encompasses both inner tranquility and externally observable calm behavior. It should be distinguished from σιγή (sigē, formal silence or muteness), as ἡσυχία emphasizes peaceful composure over mere absence of sound or speech.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine of ἡσύχιος; (as noun) stillness, i.e. desistance from bustle or language:--quietness, silence.

Root Family

ἡσυχία (hēsychia) — quietness, stillness, tranquility, calm restraint

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2271-01 ἡσυχίᾳ esuchia N DAT F SG quietness in tranquil stillness 2
G2271-02 ἡσυχίαν esuchian N ACC F SG silence tranquil stillness 1
G2271-03 ἡσυχίας esuchias N GEN F SG quietness of quiet stillness 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2271-02 Acts 22:2 ἡσυχίαν esuchian N ACC F SG silence tranquil stillness
G2271-03 2 Thessalonians 3:12 ἡσυχίας esuchias N GEN F SG quietness of quiet stillness
G2271-01 1 Timothy 2:11 ἡσυχίᾳ esuchia N DAT F SG quietness in tranquil stillness
G2271-01 1 Timothy 2:12 ἡσυχίᾳ esuchia N DAT F SG quietness in tranquil stillness
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