Divine Exposure: σύσσημον (Strong’s G4953: syssēmon) Reveals Betrayal’s Signal

Strong’s G4953: A compound noun joining σύν (with) and σῆμα (sign), meaning “an agreed signal.” Used in Mark’s Gospel to describe Judas’s kiss betraying Jesus, highlighting how intimate gestures can mask spiritual treachery.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύσσημον embodies the concept of pre-arranged signals or tokens. As a compound word, it combines σύν (with, together) and σῆμα (sign), creating a term that describes mutually understood signals. In Mark’s Gospel, it appears in the tragic context of Judas’s betrayal, where a kiss—normally a sign of affection—becomes a signal for arrest. The early church saw this word as a warning about spiritual deception. Today, it reminds us to examine our own signs of loyalty to the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύσσημον, syssēmon, SOOS-say-mon
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘soos’ as in ‘loose’, ‘say’ as in ‘say’, ‘mon’ as in ‘monitor’
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• σῆμα (sēma) – root noun meaning “sign”
• -ον (-on) – neuter nominal suffix
• The prefix σύν indicates mutual agreement
• The root σῆμα provides the concept of signaling

D – Defining Meanings

• Agreed signal
• Prearranged token
• Mutual sign
• Concerted signal
• Common token

For compound words:
σύν adds the concept of mutual understanding to σῆμα’s basic meaning of a sign or signal, creating a word that emphasizes pre-arranged communication.

Translation Options:

1. “Agreed signal” – Best captures the mutual understanding
2. “Prearranged sign” – Emphasizes the planning aspect
3. “Token” – Highlights the symbolic nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σημεῖον (sēmeion, say-MAY-on) – sign, miracle – See G4592
• τεκμήριον (tekmērion, tek-MAY-ree-on) – sure sign – See G5039
• σύμβολον (symbolon, SIM-bo-lon) – symbol, token – See G4876

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, σύσσημον exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: σύσσημον (signal)
• Genitive: συσσήμου (of signal)
• Dative: συσσήμῳ (to/for signal)
• Accusative: σύσσημον (signal as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σύσσημον’s use in prearranged signals. Thayer’s notes its military origins. LSJ documents usage in battle signals. Vine’s connects it to betrayal contexts. Strong’s highlights the compound nature suggesting mutual agreement. LEH traces similar concepts in military communications. Moulton and Milligan find it common in official signals.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And he that betrayed him had given them a [σύσσημον] token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. Mark 14:44

Additional References:
None – This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύσσημον powerfully illustrates how spiritual betrayal often comes through familiar signs. Yet even as Judas’s kiss became a signal of betrayal, the Messiah transformed this moment of treachery into the path to redemption. This word reminds us that God’s purposes prevail even through human deception.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient military signal codes
2. Early church writers used it to warn about false signs of faith
3. It appears in ancient diplomatic protocols for secret communications

Strong’s G4953: A compound noun joining σύν (with) and σῆμα (sign), meaning “an agreed signal.” Used in Mark’s Gospel to describe Judas’s kiss betraying Jesus, highlighting how intimate gestures can mask spiritual treachery.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: signal, betrayal, Judas, kiss, signs, deception, loyalty, faith, communication, treachery​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​