Brief Overview of σημαίνω (Strong’s G4591: sēmainō)

Strong’s G4591: A verb meaning “to signify, indicate, or make known,” derived from σῆμα (sign). In biblical usage, it often carries prophetic significance, indicating divine communication through signs or symbolic language, particularly in John’s Gospel and Revelation.

U- Unveiling the Word

σημαίνω represents divine communication through signs and symbolic indicators. Its first New Testament appearance in John 12:33 describes Jesus signifying the manner of His death. The word carries special significance in prophetic contexts, suggesting that God reveals truth through both direct statements and symbolic indicators. Early church writers emphasized this dual nature of divine revelation, noting how God communicates through both clear teaching and symbolic representation. Today, it reminds us that God’s revelation comes through various means, requiring careful attention to both literal and symbolic aspects of Scripture.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σημαίνω, sēmainō, say-MAI-no
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on second syllable: ‘say’ as in say, ‘MAI’ as in my, ‘no’ as in no
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From σῆμα (sēma) – sign, mark
• -αίνω (-ainō): Verb-forming suffix indicating action

D – Defining Meanings

• To signify or indicate
• To make known through signs
• To communicate prophetically

For compound words:
Not applicable as σημαίνω is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “To signify” – Emphasizes symbolic meaning
• “To indicate” – Stresses pointing to meaning
• “To make known” – Highlights revelatory aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δηλόω (dēloō, day-LO-oh) – to make clear See G1213
• φανερόω (phaneroō, fa-ne-RO-oh) – to manifest See G5319
• γνωρίζω (gnōrizō, gno-RID-zo) – to make known See G1107

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Infinitive
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive, Punctiliar

Examples:
Present: σημαίνω (I signify), σημαίνεις (you signify)
Aorist: ἐσήμανα (I signified)
Future: σημανῶ (I will signify)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σημαίνω’s use in prophetic contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to symbolic communication. LSJ documents its classical usage for divine signs. Vine’s highlights its revelatory nature. Strong’s connects it to sign-based communication. Moulton-Milligan provides evidence of its use in prophetic and oracular texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“This he said, signifying what death he should die.” John 12:33

Additional References:
John 18:32, Acts 11:28, Acts 25:27, Revelation 1:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σημαίνω reveals God’s pattern of communication through both direct and symbolic means. Just as Jesus used this word to indicate His coming death, it reminds us that God’s revelation often requires careful attention and spiritual discernment. The word points to Christ as the ultimate sign and revelation of God’s love and purpose for humanity.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced modern terms like “semaphore” and “semantic.”
2. It was commonly used in Greek oracular prophecies.
3. Early Christian interpreters used it to discuss biblical typology.

Strong’s G4591: A verb meaning “to signify, indicate, or make known,” derived from σῆμα (sign). In biblical usage, it often carries prophetic significance, indicating divine communication through signs or symbolic language, particularly in John’s Gospel and Revelation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: signify, indicate, prophecy, signs, revelation, divine communication, John’s Gospel, symbolic language, prophetic interpretation, biblical prophecy, divine signs, spiritual discernment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​