Brief Overview of σιαγών (Strong’s G4600: siagōn)

Strong’s G4600: A noun meaning “cheek” or “jawbone.” In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ teaching about non-retaliation, where being struck on the cheek symbolizes personal insult. The word carries deep significance in discussions of Christian responses to persecution and injustice.

U- Unveiling the Word

σιαγών represents more than just a physical part of the face – in its New Testament context, it becomes a powerful symbol of Christian non-retaliation. First appearing in Matthew 5:39, Jesus uses it in His revolutionary teaching about responding to insults and persecution with grace. Early church fathers saw in this word a call to radical discipleship that transcends natural human responses to offense. Today, it continues to challenge believers to embody Christ-like responses to personal affronts and injustice.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σιαγών, siagōn, see-a-GONE
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on third syllable: ‘see’ as in see, ‘a’ as in about, ‘GONE’ as in gone
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From ancient Greek anatomical vocabulary
• No clear compound elements
• Possibly related to words for “jaw movement”

D – Defining Meanings

• Cheek
• Jawbone
• Side of the face

For compound words:
Not applicable as σιαγών is a primary noun

Translation Options:

• “Cheek” – Most common biblical usage
• “Jawbone” – More anatomically specific
• “Side of face” – More general description

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρόσωπον (prosōpon, PRO-so-pon) – face See G4383
• στόμα (stoma, STO-ma) – mouth See G4750
• κεφαλή (kephalē, ke-fa-LAY) – head See G2776

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 3rd

Examples:
Singular: σιαγών (nom), σιαγόνος (gen), σιαγόνι (dat), σιαγόνα (acc)
Plural: σιαγόνες (nom), σιαγόνων (gen), σιαγόσι (dat), σιαγόνας (acc)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of personal insult. Thayer’s notes its anatomical precision. LSJ documents its medical usage. Vine’s highlights its significance in Jesus’ teaching. Strong’s connects it to non-retaliation contexts. Moulton-Milligan provides evidence of its use in medical papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:39

Additional References:
Luke 6:29

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σιαγών embodies Jesus’ revolutionary teaching about responding to persecution with love. Its use in the Sermon on the Mount challenges us to embrace a kingdom ethic that transcends natural reactions to insult and injury. This word points to Christ’s own example of non-retaliation and calls us to follow His path of sacrificial love.

D – Did You Know?

1. A strike on the σιαγών was considered particularly insulting in ancient culture.
2. Early martyrs often quoted Jesus’ teaching about the σιαγών when facing persecution.
3. The word appeared in ancient medical texts describing facial injuries and treatments.

Strong’s G4600: A noun meaning “cheek” or “jawbone.” In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ teaching about non-retaliation, where being struck on the cheek symbolizes personal insult. The word carries deep significance in discussions of Christian responses to persecution and injustice.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: cheek, non-retaliation, persecution, Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ teachings, Christian response, suffering, persecution, love of enemies, discipleship, radical love, kingdom ethics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​