σιγάω
sigáō
G4601 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be silent, refrain from speaking, or cease producing sound; in extended contexts, to keep something concealed or unexpressed, either by choice or circumstance. The verb can denote either voluntary silence or enforced silence, and may refer to actions ranging from not speaking publicly to restraining particular utterances within a group or assembly.
Semantic Range
to be silent, to keep quiet, to refrain from speaking, to conceal information by silence, to be unmentioned, to suppress utterance, to order silence
Root / Etymology
From the noun σιγή (silence, quiet) with the denominative verb formation σιγάω, meaning 'to be silent' or 'to keep silence.' Related to σιωπάω (to be quiet), but σιγάω can connote complete absence of speech, whereas σιωπάω may imply more general quietness or inactivity.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in classical Greek with the basic sense 'to be silent.' In Hellenistic and Koine usage (including the Septuagint and New Testament), σιγάω continues to mean 'to be silent,' but acquires the additional connotation of deliberate or respectful silence, such as in assemblies or in the presence of authority (cf. 1 Cor 14:28, 34). Used in legal, rhetorical, and narrative contexts for keeping a matter undisclosed (as in Luke 9:36, Acts 12:17). The verb can also be employed in the imperative to instruct silence for orderly conduct. The nuance of secrecy or deliberately withholding speech is present in some NT passages but is not necessarily the main sense. English translations that use 'hold peace' or 'keep silent' are generally accurate, but may not reflect the full range of possible motives or contexts for silence suggested by the Greek usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σιγή; to keep silent (transitively or intransitively):--keep close (secret, silence), hold peace.
Root Family
σιγάω (sigaō) — to be silent, refrain from speaking, keep silence
Word Forms
8 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4601-01 |
ἐσίγησαν | esigesan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
kept silent | they fell silent | 2 |
G4601-05 |
σιγάτω | sigato | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
keep silent | let him keep silent | 2 |
G4601-03 |
σεσιγημένου | sesigemenou | V PRF PASS PTCP GEN N SG |
kept secret | of the having-been-silenced | 1 |
G4601-07 |
σιγῆσαι | sigesai | V AOR ACT INF |
had ceased speaking | to be silent | 1 |
G4601-06 |
σιγάτωσαν | sigatosan | V PRS ACT IMP 3P PL |
keep silent | let them keep silent | 1 |
G4601-08 |
σιγήσῃ | sigese | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
he should be silent | may be silent | 1 |
G4601-04 |
σιγᾶν | sigan | V PRS ACT INF |
to be silent | to keep silent | 1 |
G4601-02 |
ἐσίγησεν | esigesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
kept silent | was silent | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
10 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4601-01 |
Luke 9:36 | ἐσίγησαν | esigesan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
kept silent | they fell silent |
G4601-08 |
Luke 18:39 | σιγήσῃ | sigese | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
he should be silent | may be silent |
G4601-01 |
Luke 20:26 | ἐσίγησαν | esigesan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they kept silent | they fell silent |
G4601-04 |
Acts 12:17 | σιγᾶν | sigan | V PRS ACT INF |
to be silent | to keep silent |
G4601-02 |
Acts 15:12 | ἐσίγησεν | esigesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
kept silent | was silent |
G4601-07 |
Acts 15:13 | σιγῆσαι | sigesai | V AOR ACT INF |
had ceased speaking | to be silent |
G4601-03 |
Romans 16:25 | σεσιγημένου | sesigemenou | V PRF PASS PTCP GEN N SG |
kept secret | of the having-been-silenced |
G4601-05 |
1 Corinthians 14:28 | σιγάτω | sigato | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
let him keep silent | let him keep silent |
G4601-05 |
1 Corinthians 14:30 | σιγάτω | sigato | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
keep silent | let him keep silent |
G4601-06 |
1 Corinthians 14:34 | σιγάτωσαν | sigatosan | V PRS ACT IMP 3P PL |
keep silent | let them keep silent |