σιωπάω (G4623) — Greek Lexicon

σιωπάω

siōpáō

G4623 verb

SILEX Entry

Root σιωπ- to be silent, to remain quiet, to hush

Definition

To be silent, to remain quiet or refrain from speaking, either voluntarily or due to external constraints. The verb can denote silence in the sense of purposely choosing not to speak, enforced or imposed silence (as in being hushed by others or circumstances), as well as maintaining calm or composure in the presence of disturbance or commotion. In figurative contexts, it can also refer to quietness or tranquility.

Semantic Range

to be silent, to refrain from speaking, to become still, to be hushed, to be calm or quiet in demeanor, to hold one's peace

Root / Etymology

From the root σιωπ- (siōp-), connected with σιγή (sigē, silence), but with a focus on the state of quietness, whether voluntary or involuntary. The formation suggests a verb of state derived from a noun or adjective signifying silence or quiet.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, σιωπάω and its cognates denote silence or the action of being silent, and are often used for both voluntary and imposed stillness. In the Septuagint and Greek literature, σιωπάω is regularly paired or contrasted with λαλέω (to speak) or κράζω (to cry out); the opposition highlights the distinctiveness of utterance and its absence. The term may refer to sudden silence after noise or to a maintained state of no speaking, sometimes reflecting fear, awe, authority, or command. In the New Testament, σιωπάω often appears in narratives of miracle or teaching, where silence is commanded by Jesus or falls upon those witnessing divine action, suggesting respect, restraint, or obedience, not mere muteness. σιωπάω can overlap in meaning with σιγάω, but as noted in the gloss, σιγάω more often carries the nuance of voluntary or intentional silence, while σιωπάω need not. English translations often render σιωπάω as 'keep silent', 'hold one's peace', or 'remain quiet', though in some contexts these do not reflect the sense of involuntary or awe-filled silence present in Greek usage. The distinction between σιγάω and σιωπάω is sometimes blurred in later Koine Greek but can affect interpretation in narrative or legal settings wherein the manner or motivation for silence is central.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (silence, i.e. a hush; properly, muteness, i.e. involuntary stillness, or inability to speak; and thus differing from σιγή, which is rather a voluntary refusal or indisposition to speak, although the terms are often used synonymously); to be dumb (but not deaf also, like 2974 properly); figuratively, to be calm (as quiet water):--dumb, (hold) peace.

Root Family

σιωπάω (siōpaō) — to be silent, to remain quiet, to be hushed, to become still

Word Forms

8 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G4623-01`	ἐσιώπα	esiopa	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	he kept silent	he was remaining silent	2
`G4623-02`	ἐσιώπων	esiopon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	kept silent	they were remaining silent	2
`G4623-03`	σιώπα	siopa	`V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG`	Silence!	Be silent	1
`G4623-04`	σιωπήσῃ	siopese	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG`	he should be quiet	he may become silent	1
`G4623-07`	σιωπήσουσιν	siopesousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	should keep silent	they will be silent	1
`G4623-06`	σιωπήσωσιν	siopesosin	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL`		they may become silent	1
`G4623-05`	σιωπήσῃς	siopeses	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG`	be silent	you should become silent	1
`G4623-08`	σιωπῶν	siopon	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	silent	being silent	1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 total occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G4623-06`	Matthew 20:31	σιωπήσωσιν	siopesosin	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL`		they may become silent
`G4623-01`	Matthew 26:63	ἐσιώπα	esiopa	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`		he was remaining silent
`G4623-02`	Mark 3:4	ἐσιώπων	esiopon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	were silent	they were remaining silent
`G4623-03`	Mark 4:39	σιώπα	siopa	`V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG`	Silence!	Be silent
`G4623-02`	Mark 9:34	ἐσιώπων	esiopon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	kept silent	they were remaining silent
`G4623-04`	Mark 10:48	σιωπήσῃ	siopese	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG`	he should be quiet	he may become silent
`G4623-01`	Mark 14:61	ἐσιώπα	esiopa	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	he kept silent	he was remaining silent
`G4623-08`	Luke 1:20	σιωπῶν	siopon	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	silent	being silent
`G4623-07`	Luke 19:40	σιωπήσουσιν	siopesousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	should keep silent	they will be silent
`G4623-05`	Acts 18:9	σιωπήσῃς	siopeses	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG`	be silent	you should become silent

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