Brief Overview of σιγάω (Strong’s G4601: sigaō)

Strong’s G4601: A verb meaning “to keep silent, to hold one’s peace.” In biblical usage, it often indicates a reverent or awestruck silence, particularly in response to divine revelation or spiritual truth. The word can also denote deliberate restraint in speaking, especially in church contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

σιγάω describes intentional silence, often laden with spiritual significance. First appearing in Luke 9:36 after the Transfiguration, it represents silence born of holy awe. The word appears in both reverential contexts and church order settings, showing how silence can be both a response to God’s presence and a discipline in worship. Early church writers emphasized both aspects – reverential silence before God and orderly silence in worship. Today, it reminds us of the importance of both holy awe and appropriate restraint in our spiritual lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σιγάω, sigaō, see-GAH-oh
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on second syllable: ‘see’ as in see, ‘GAH’ as in got, ‘oh’ as in oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From root σιγ- (sig-) related to silence
• -άω (-aō): Common verb ending
• Related to σιγή (silence)

D – Defining Meanings

• To keep silent
• To become silent
• To maintain silence

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

Translation Options:

• “To keep silent” – Emphasizes continuous state
• “To become quiet” – Focuses on entering silence
• “To hold one’s peace” – More formal/traditional

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φιμόω (phimoō, fee-MO-oh) – to muzzle, silence See G5392
• ἡσυχάζω (hēsuchazō, hay-soo-KHAD-zo) – to rest, be quiet See G2270
• σιωπάω (siōpaō, see-o-PAH-oh) – to be silent See G4623

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Examples:
Present: σιγῶ (I am silent)
Aorist: ἐσίγησα (I became silent)
Future: σιγήσω (I will be silent)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both reverent and ordered silence. Thayer’s notes its use in contexts of divine revelation. LSJ documents its classical usage. Vine’s highlights its spiritual significance. Strong’s connects it to deliberate restraint. Moulton-Milligan shows its use in legal contexts requiring silence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.” Luke 9:36

Additional References:
Luke 20:26, Acts 12:17, Acts 15:12, Romans 16:25, 1 Corinthians 14:28, 1 Corinthians 14:34

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σιγάω teaches us about the power of holy silence, whether in response to God’s revelation or in orderly worship. It reminds us that sometimes the most appropriate response to God’s presence is reverent silence, and that such silence can be as much an act of worship as praise. Christ Himself often withdrew into silence for communion with the Father.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in mystery religions for ritual silence.
2. Early Christian liturgies included specific times of commanded silence.
3. Ancient courts used this term for official silencing of proceedings.

Strong’s G4601: A verb meaning “to keep silent, to hold one’s peace.” In biblical usage, it often indicates a reverent or awestruck silence, particularly in response to divine revelation or spiritual truth. The word can also denote deliberate restraint in speaking, especially in church contexts.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: silence, reverence, worship, church order, divine revelation, spiritual discipline, holy awe, transfiguration, liturgical silence, restraint, spiritual response, holy silence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​