σιγή (G4602) — Greek Lexicon

σιγή

sigḗ

G4602 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Absence or withholding of sound or speech; the state or condition of being silent. σιγή denotes silence either literally (a lack of audible speech or noise) or metaphorically (the withholding of information or speech), and is often contrasted with speech or proclamation. In some contexts, it can indicate a deliberate, purposeful choice not to speak, or a period of stillness and quiet.

Semantic Range

silence (absence of sound or speech), quietness, stillness, being silent (deliberately), secrecy or keeping something unspoken, restraint from declaring or uttering, enforced or voluntary silence

Root / Etymology

From the root σιγ-; directly related to the verb σιγάω ('to be silent') and noun σιγητήρ ('one who is silent'). Not to be confused with σιωπάω/σιωπή, though both share the general semantic domain of silence; these may have originally had onomatopoeic origins, but exact etymology is uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σιγή appears in epic, lyric, and later prose as the general word for 'silence.' It was used for both literal soundlessness (the silence of night, a quiet temple) and metaphorical withholding (silent wisdom, secrecy). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, σιγή continues to signify ‘silence’ as a condition or act, whether voluntary or imposed. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, σιγή most often refers to a deliberate silence; for example, Paul instructs silence in congregational settings (1 Cor 14:34). The distinction between σιγή and σιωπή is subtle: σιγή leans toward silence as sustained or purposeful withholding of speech, whereas σιωπή can also imply silence as a reaction to awe, fear, or inability. English translations typically render both as 'silence,' though σιγή's contextual nuance can be lost. The word does not carry the connotation of suppression or punishment found in some uses of σιωπή. Never used for grand or ominous silences of nature; rather, it usually concerns human (or divine) speech and its absence.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently from (to hiss, i.e. hist or hush); silence:--silence. Compare σιωπάω.

Root Family

σιγή (sigē) — silence, quietness, withholding of speech

Root σιγ- to be silent, to keep quiet, to withhold speech

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4602-02`	σιγῆς	siges	`N GEN F SG`	silence	of silence	of silence	1
`G4602-01`	σιγὴ	sige	`N NOM F SG`	silence	silence	silence	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4602-02`	Acts 21:40	σιγῆς	siges	`N GEN F SG`	silence	of silence	of silence
`G4602-01`	Revelation 8:1	σιγὴ	sige	`N NOM F SG`	silence	silence	silence

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