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G4953 (σύσσημον)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4953
Original Word: σύσσημον
Transliteration: sýssēmon
Pronunciation: soos'-say-mon
Part of Speech: noun
Root / Etymology: neuter of a compound of G4862 (σύν) and the base of G4591 (σημαίνω);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1168

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 a sign in common, i.e. preconcerted signal

token

neuter of a compound of G4862 (σύν) and the base of G4591 (σημαίνω);

Commentary

Contributors:

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.

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:

"Agreed signal" - Best captures the mutual understanding
"Prearranged sign" - Emphasizes the planning aspect
"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:

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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

Author: Work	Text
Thucydides: History	"The commanders gave a [σύσσημον] signal for the attack."
Xenophon: Anabasis	"They agreed upon a [σύσσημον] token for nighttime recognition."
Polybius: Histories	"The scouts used a [σύσσημον] prearranged signal to communicate."

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?

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

Part of speech: Noun

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

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