στίγμα
stígma
G4742 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An identifying mark or tattoo, usually incised, pricked, or branded into the skin; by extension, a mark of ownership or allegiance, and in some contexts, a mark of shame or dishonor. In Greco-Roman society, στίγμα denoted both literal tattoos or brands—commonly used on slaves, prisoners, or individuals marked for religious or punitive purposes—and metaphorically, a sign denoting one’s association with a particular group or condition. The term can be used in physical, social, or symbolic contexts, referring either to the visible score on the body or to an attribute marking one’s social identity or fate.
Semantic Range
tattoo or brand (literal mark on skin), mark of ownership, sign of allegiance, sign of shame or disgrace, mark evidencing suffering or devotion, social or religious emblem
Root / Etymology
From the root στίζω (stízō, 'to prick, to tattoo, to mark with points'), itself likely from Proto-Indo-European *steig- ('to stick, prick, sting'). Cognate with Latin 'stigma' in later usage; borrowed into English as 'stigma' with transferred meaning.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, στίγμα signified a tattoo, puncture mark, or brand, most often as an external sign imposed to signal ownership (as with slaves) or to inflict punishment. Marks could also identify devotees of specific cults or religious orders. In Hellenistic and Roman times, the term was also used more generally for social ostracism or disgrace, developing the modern abstract sense of 'stigma' as a mark of shame. In the New Testament (Galatians 6:17), the word is used metaphorically by Paul to refer to marks he bears on his body for allegiance to Christ, likely referencing physical scars from persecution (e.g., floggings or beatings), employing the cultural notion of branding or tattooing as an indelible sign of group association. English translations frequently render this as 'marks,' but the term conveys both the physicality of such signs and their social/religious connotations as evidence of ownership, commitment, and status—thus covering actual bodily scars, ritual tattoos, or marks symbolizing suffering and devotion. Unlike terms describing wounds or injuries in general (e.g., τραῦμα, πληγή), στίγμα implies purposeful marking associated with identity or status.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a primary (to "stick", i.e. prick); a mark incised or punched (for recognition of ownership), i.e. (figuratively) scar of service:--mark.
Root Family
στίγ- (stígma) — to prick, to mark, to tattoo, to brand
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4742-01 |
στίγματα | stigmata | N ACC N PL |
marks | branded marks | branded marks | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4742-01 |
Galatians 6:17 | στίγματα | stigmata | N ACC N PL |
marks | branded marks | branded marks |