from (a mark; of uncertain derivation); to indicate:--signify.
Transliteration:sēmaínō
Pronunciation:say-mah'-ee-no
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb σημαίνω (sēmaínō, `{{G4591}}`) derives from the noun σῆμα (sēma), meaning "a mark" or "a sign." Its core meaning is "to give a sign," "to signify," "to indicate," or "to make known." It implies conveying information, often about future events or deeper truths, through some form of revelation, symbolic action, or prophetic utterance. The nuance of σημαίνω is not merely to state a fact, but to *point to* or *reveal* something, often with a predictive or revelatory quality, suggesting that the information is being communicated through an indicator or a sign rather than a direct, literal statement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word σημαίνω (sēmaínō) appears four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its specific nuance in divine communication:
* **[[John 12:33]]**: "This he said, signifying what kind of death he was going to die." Here, Jesus' statement about being "lifted up" is explained as *signifying* the manner of his crucifixion. The verb highlights that Jesus' words carried a deeper, prophetic meaning, indicating the nature of his impending death.
* **[[John 18:32]]**: "This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die." This verse reiterates the point from [[John 12:33]], emphasizing that Jesus' earlier pronouncements *signified* the specific manner of his death, fulfilling divine prophecy.
* **[[Acts 11:28]]**: "One of them named Agabus stood up and through the Spirit *signified* that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius)." In this instance, Agabus, inspired by the Holy Spirit, *indicated* or *predicted* a future event. This is a clear prophetic usage, where a divine message about a future occurrence is conveyed.
* **[[Revelation 1:1]]**: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John." This is arguably the most significant occurrence. The entire book of Revelation is presented as something that was "signified" or "made known" (ἐσήμανεν - esēmanen, a form of σημαίνω) through signs and symbols. This verse sets the stage for the apocalyptic nature of the book, where truth is conveyed not always literally, but through symbolic representations and visions, requiring interpretation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **σῆμα (sēma):** The root noun, meaning "a mark, sign, token." This directly links σημαίνω to the idea of conveying meaning through specific indicators.
* **σημεῖον (sēmeion, `{{G4592}}`):** "Sign, miracle, wonder." While σημαίνω is the *act* of signifying, σημεῖον is the *sign itself*. Often, Jesus' miracles are called σημεῖα, as they *signify* his divine power and identity.
* **ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō, `{{G601}}`):** "To reveal, uncover." This is a broader term for divine revelation. In [[Revelation 1:1]], σημαίνω describes *how* the ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis) is given—through signs and symbols.
* **προφητεύω (prophēteuō, `{{G4395}}`):** "To prophesy." Similar to the use of σημαίνω in [[Acts 11:28]], prophecy involves making known future events through divine inspiration.
* **δείκνυμι (deiknymi, `{{G1166}}`):** "To show, point out." While similar in some contexts, σημαίνω carries a stronger nuance of conveying deeper, often symbolic or prophetic meaning, implying an interpretation is often needed.
### Theological Significance
The use of σημαίνω carries profound theological weight, particularly in the context of divine communication and the nature of prophecy.
* **Divine Communication and Foresight:** The word emphasizes that God actively communicates His will and future plans to humanity. This communication is often not a direct, literal declaration but involves symbolic language, prophetic acts, or interpretive signs. In John's Gospel, Jesus' use of σημαίνω concerning his death underscores his divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over his destiny, even in suffering. His words are not mere statements but carry prophetic weight, indicating divine purpose.
* **Nature of Prophecy and Revelation:** In the context of Agabus' prophecy and especially the Book of Revelation, σημαίνω highlights the characteristic manner of prophetic revelation. God "signifies" things, meaning He uses indicators, visions, and symbols to convey truths that might be otherwise incomprehensible or to veil them until the appointed time. The very title of Revelation, "Apocalypse" (unveiling), is paradoxically *signified*—its truths are revealed through a rich tapestry of symbolic imagery that demands spiritual discernment and interpretation.
* **Call for Interpretation:** The act of "signifying" inherently implies that the message may not be immediately obvious or literal. It requires discernment, spiritual understanding, and often, the guidance of the Holy Spirit to grasp the full import of what is being *indicated*. This is particularly true for apocalyptic literature, where the signs are given to be understood, but not without effort and divine aid.
### Summary
The Greek word σημαίνω (sēmaínō, `{{G4591}}`) fundamentally means "to signify," "to indicate," or "to make known," often through signs, symbols, or prophetic declaration. Rooted in the concept of "a mark" (σῆμα), it underscores its role in conveying meaning through specific indicators. In the New Testament, it is employed to describe Jesus' prophetic indications of his own death ([[John 12:33]], [[John 18:32]]), Agabus' Spirit-inspired prediction of famine ([[Acts 11:28]]), and most significantly, the very nature of the Revelation given to John ([[Revelation 1:1]]). This last usage is crucial, as it portrays the entire apocalyptic book as a divine communication conveyed through symbolic "signs." Theologically, σημαίνω highlights the divine manner of communicating future events and hidden truths, often requiring spiritual discernment to interpret the "signs" God uses. It points to a revelatory process that is profound, purposeful, and often symbolic, emphasizing God's sovereign disclosure of His will in ways that invite deeper contemplation and understanding.
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