from the same as ἡσύχιος; to keep still (intransitively), i.e. refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech:--cease, hold peace, be quiet, rest.
Transliteration:hēsycházō
Pronunciation:hay-soo-khad'-zo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2270}}` (hēsycházō) derives from the adjective `{{G2272}}` (hēsychios), meaning "quiet" or "tranquil." Its core meaning encompasses the state or act of being still, quiet, or at rest. The semantic range of `{{G2270}}` is notably broad, extending beyond mere physical stillness to include a cessation from various forms of activity or disturbance. It can denote:
1. **Cessation from labor or travel:** A literal resting, as observed on the Sabbath.
2. **Cessation from speech:** To be silent, to hold one's peace, or to refrain from speaking.
3. **Cessation from contention or opposition:** To become quiet in the face of argument, to cease persuasion, or to acquiesce.
4. **Cessation from meddlesomeness:** To live a quiet life, avoiding interference in others' affairs.
This multifaceted nature suggests that `{{G2270}}` describes a state of tranquility that is often achieved by an intentional restraint or cessation of activity, whether physical, verbal, or social.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G2270}}` appears a handful of times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its semantic range:
* In [[Luke 14:4]], during a Sabbath healing, the Pharisees "were silent" (ἐσηύχασαν) in response to Jesus' question. Here, `{{G2270}}` signifies a cessation of speech or argument, indicating their inability or unwillingness to respond.
* [[Luke 23:56]] describes the women who followed Jesus: "And on the Sabbath they rested (ἡσύχασαν) according to the commandment." This usage clearly points to the cessation of physical labor or activity, observing the Mosaic law regarding the Sabbath rest.
* In [[Acts 11:18]], after Peter recounts his vision and the conversion of Cornelius, the apostles and brethren in Jerusalem, who had initially contended with him, "were silent" (ἡσύχασαν) and glorified God. This context highlights the cessation of opposition or dispute, leading to acceptance and praise.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 15:12]], during the Jerusalem Council, "all the multitude kept silence" (ἐσηύχασεν δὲ πᾶν τὸ πλῆθος) as Barnabas and Paul recounted God's work among the Gentiles. This signifies a collective cessation of speaking, allowing for attentive listening and deliberation.
* Again in [[Acts 21:14]], when Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem despite warnings, Luke records, "And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased (ἡσυχάσαμεν), saying, 'The will of the Lord be done.'" Here, `{{G2270}}` denotes the cessation of persuasion or argument, indicating a resignation to God's sovereign will.
* Perhaps most significantly for Christian conduct, [[1 Thessalonians 4:11]] exhorts believers "to aspire to live quietly (φιλοτιμεῖσθαι ἡσυχάζειν), and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." This verse extends the meaning of `{{G2270}}` beyond mere silence or rest to encompass a lifestyle of non-interference and peaceful diligence, contrasting with idleness or meddling.
Across these contexts, `{{G2270}}` consistently points to an intentional cessation or restraint, whether from speaking, working, disputing, or interfering, leading to a state of quietness or peacefulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G2270}}` is intimately connected with its cognates:
* `{{G2272}}` (hēsychios): The adjective "quiet," "tranquil," or "peaceable," often used to describe a calm disposition or environment (e.g., [[1 Timothy 2:2]]).
* `{{G2271}}` (hēsychia): The noun "quietness," "tranquility," or "rest." This noun appears in contexts emphasizing peaceful living ([[1 Timothy 2:11-12]]) or a quiet spirit ([[1 Peter 3:4]]).
These words form a semantic family centered on the concept of quietness and peace. Other related Greek terms include:
* `{{G4623}}` (siōpaō): To be silent, often implying a deliberate refusal to speak or an inability to speak due to awe or shock. While `{{G2270}}` can mean "to be silent," `{{G4623}}` more exclusively focuses on the absence of sound.
* `{{G5392}}` (phimoo): To muzzle, to silence, or to put to silence, often by force or authority.
* `{{G373}}` (anapauō): To give rest, to refresh, or to cease from labor, focusing more on the restorative aspect of rest.
* `{{G1515}}` (eirēnē): Peace, a broader concept encompassing harmony, well-being, and reconciliation, from which `{{G2270}}` can be a consequence or a means.
The relationship between `{{G2270}}` and these terms highlights its unique contribution: it often describes a *volitional act* of ceasing or refraining, which then leads to a state of quietness or peace.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2270}}` is profound, touching upon themes of spiritual discipline, community life, and submission to divine will.
1. **Trust and Submission:** The cessation of argument or persuasion ([[Acts 21:14]]) in the face of God's apparent will demonstrates a posture of trust and submission. It signifies relinquishing one's own agenda or control, allowing God's purposes to unfold. This quiet acquiescence is a powerful act of faith.
2. **Peaceful Community:** The exhortation to "live quietly" in [[1 Thessalonians 4:11]] is not merely about avoiding noise but about fostering a harmonious community life. It encourages believers to focus on their own responsibilities, work diligently, and refrain from gossip, idleness, or meddling that disrupts peace. This quiet diligence contributes to the good witness of the church to the world.
3. **Spiritual Discipline:** The concept of "rest" (as in [[Luke 23:56]]) extends beyond physical cessation to spiritual Sabbath, a time for reflection, worship, and renewal. Furthermore, the ability to be silent in the face of provocation ([[Luke 14:4]]) or disagreement ([[Acts 11:18]], [[Acts 15:12]]) is a mark of spiritual maturity and self-control, allowing space for divine truth or collective discernment to emerge.
4. **Inner Tranquility:** While `{{G2270}}` often describes outward actions, it implicitly points to an inner state of tranquility. A life characterized by refraining from meddling and contention naturally cultivates a more peaceful and focused inner life, conducive to spiritual growth and communion with God.
In essence, `{{G2270}}` invites believers to embrace a counter-cultural posture of quietness, not as passivity, but as an active, Spirit-empowered choice to cease from self-assertion, contention, and unproductive activity, thereby creating space for God's work and fostering communal harmony.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2270}}` (hēsycházō) denotes the act of keeping still, ceasing, or refraining. Its semantic range is rich, encompassing cessation from physical labor, verbal communication, contentious argument, and meddlesome interference. Biblical occurrences demonstrate its application in various contexts, from Sabbath rest ([[Luke 23:56]]) and the cessation of dispute ([[Acts 11:18]], [[Acts 15:12]], [[Acts 21:14]]) to the intentional quietness of the Pharisees ([[Luke 14:4]]). Most notably, in [[1 Thessalonians 4:11]], it calls believers to a lifestyle of quiet diligence and non-interference, fostering peace within the community. Theologically, `{{G2270}}` underscores the importance of trust in God's will, the cultivation of peaceful and harmonious relationships within the body of Christ, and the practice of spiritual discipline that leads to both outward quietness and inner tranquility. It is a word that calls for intentional restraint for the sake of God's glory and the flourishing of the Christian life.
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