Brief Overview of σιγή (Strong’s G4602: sigē)

Strong’s G4602: A noun meaning “silence” or “quietness,” particularly denoting a deep or profound quiet. In biblical usage, it represents a reverent hush or attentive stillness, often in response to significant moments or important messages. The word appears in contexts where silence facilitates attention and reception.

U- Unveiling the Word

σιγή represents not just the absence of sound but a meaningful stillness. Its appearance in Acts 21:40 describes the profound silence that fell over the crowd before Paul’s defense speech, indicating both respect and anticipation. Early church writers saw in this word both the reverent silence of worship and the receptive silence of listening to God’s word. Today, it reminds us of the importance of cultivating holy silence in our noisy world for better hearing and receiving God’s truth.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σιγή, sigē, see-GAY
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on second syllable: ‘see’ as in see, ‘GAY’ as in gay
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From root σιγ- (sig-) related to silence
• -ή (-ē): Abstract noun ending
• Related to verb σιγάω (to be silent)

D – Defining Meanings

• Deep silence
• Complete quietness
• Reverent stillness

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

Translation Options:

• “Silence” – General term
• “Complete quiet” – Emphasizes depth
• “Stillness” – Captures atmosphere

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἡσυχία (hēsuchia, hay-soo-KHEE-ah) – quietness See G2271
• σιωπή (siōpē, see-o-PAY) – silence See G4623
• γαλήνη (galēnē, ga-LAY-nay) – calm See G1055

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
Singular: σιγή (nom), σιγῆς (gen), σιγῇ (dat), σιγήν (acc)

• Cross-references: Related verb σιγάω

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of attentive listening. Thayer’s notes its connection to reverent attention. LSJ documents its use in religious contexts. Vine’s highlights its quality of complete quiet. Strong’s connects it to profound silence. Moulton-Milligan shows its use in formal contexts requiring silence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,” Acts 21:40

Additional References:
Revelation 8:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σιγή teaches us about the power of sacred silence in encountering God and receiving His word. It reminds us that sometimes the most appropriate response to divine truth is quiet receptivity. The word points to Christ, who often sought silence for communion with the Father, showing us the value of stillness in spiritual life.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek temples often had signs commanding σιγή.
2. Early Christian liturgies included moments of prescribed σιγή.
3. The half hour of σιγή in Revelation 8:1 was seen as particularly significant by early interpreters.

Strong’s G4602: A noun meaning “silence” or “quietness,” particularly denoting a deep or profound quiet. In biblical usage, it represents a reverent hush or attentive stillness, often in response to significant moments or important messages. The word appears in contexts where silence facilitates attention and reception.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: silence, quietness, reverence, worship, attention, stillness, sacred silence, listening, Paul’s speeches, revelation, divine presence, spiritual discipline​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​