of uncertain derivation; the jaw-bone, i.e. (by implication) the cheek or side of the face:--cheek.
Transliteration:siagṓn
Pronunciation:see-ag-one'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σιαγών (siagṓn, `{{G4600}}`) primarily denotes the "jaw-bone." By extension and common usage, it came to signify the "cheek" or the side of the face. The base definition notes its uncertain etymological derivation, suggesting that its origin is not clearly traceable to a more primitive root. Nevertheless, its semantic range is firmly fixed in the anatomical realm, referring specifically to this prominent facial feature. In ancient cultures, the cheek was often associated with honor, dignity, and personal space, making a blow to it a profound insult rather than merely a physical assault.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σιαγών (siagṓn, `{{G4600}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Synoptic Gospels and within parallel passages of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount/Plain:
* [[Matthew 5:39]]: "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
* [[Luke 6:29]]: "If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them."
In both instances, σιαγών (siagṓn) is used in the context of Jesus' radical teaching on non-retaliation and love for enemies. The act of "slapping on the cheek" (ῥαπίζω `{{G4474}}` in Matthew, τύπτω `{{G5180}}` in Luke) was not typically intended as a life-threatening assault, but rather as a deliberate humiliation and insult. To strike someone on the right cheek, particularly if the assailant was right-handed, would often imply a backhand blow, which was a particularly demeaning gesture in the ancient world. Jesus' command to "turn the other cheek" is therefore not an invitation to passive victimhood, but a revolutionary act of defiance against the cycle of violence and dishonor. It reclaims dignity by refusing to engage in reciprocal aggression, instead offering an opportunity for the aggressor to reconsider their actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and usage of σιαγών (siagṓn, `{{G4600}}`) are illuminated by its relation to other Greek terms and broader theological concepts.
* **ῥαπίζω (rhapizō, `{{G4474}}`):** "to strike with a rod or staff," but also "to strike with the open hand," specifically a slap. This verb is used with σιαγών (siagṓn) in [[Matthew 5:39]], emphasizing the insulting nature of the act.
* **τύπτω (typtō, `{{G5180}}`):** "to strike, smite." This more general verb for striking is used with σιαγών (siagṓn) in [[Luke 6:29]].
* **πρόσωπον (prosōpon, `{{G4383}}`):** "face." While σιαγών (siagṓn) refers specifically to the cheek, πρόσωπον (prosōpon) is the broader term for the entire face, often carrying connotations of presence, identity, and honor.
Conceptually, the command involving σιαγών (siagṓn) connects to:
* **Humility and Self-Denial:** The willingness to absorb insult without retaliation.
* **Love for Enemies:** A core tenet of Jesus' ethics, transcending the "eye for an eye" principle.
* **Non-Violence/Peace-Making:** A radical alternative to societal norms of retribution.
* **Suffering for Righteousness:** Embracing hardship and dishonor for the sake of the Kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σιαγών (siagṓn, `{{G4600}}`) is profoundly tied to its unique usage in the teachings of Jesus. It serves as a concrete illustration of the counter-cultural demands of the Kingdom of God.
1. **Redefinition of Justice:** Jesus moves beyond retributive justice (lex talionis) to a transformative ethic that seeks to break cycles of violence and humiliation. The "turning of the other cheek" is not about condoning evil but about disarming it through unexpected grace and moral courage.
2. **Radical Discipleship:** This command embodies the radical nature of following Christ. It calls believers to a level of self-giving and love that goes against natural human inclination for self-preservation and vindication. It requires a profound trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.
3. **Embodiment of Christ's Character:** Jesus himself exemplified this principle, enduring insults and physical abuse (e.g., [[Matthew 26:67]], [[John 18:22]]) without retaliation, ultimately offering himself as a sacrifice. The command to "turn the other cheek" thus invites believers to participate in the sufferings of Christ and to reflect His character in a fallen world.
4. **Power of Vulnerability:** The act of offering the other cheek transforms a moment of vulnerability into a position of moral strength, challenging the aggressor's assumptions and potentially opening a path to reconciliation or conviction.
### Summary
The Greek word σιαγών (siagṓn, `{{G4600}}`), meaning "jaw-bone" and by extension "cheek," holds significant theological weight due to its specific use in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Appearing in [[Matthew 5:39]] and [[Luke 6:29]], it forms the core of Jesus' revolutionary command to "turn the other cheek" when insulted or struck. This directive transcends mere physical endurance; it represents a profound call to non-retaliation, radical love for enemies, and a rejection of the cycle of vengeance prevalent in human society. Contextually, a blow to the σιαγών (siagṓn) was an act of profound humiliation, and Jesus' teaching advocates for a counter-intuitive response that disarms the aggressor through an act of courageous humility and self-giving love. Theologically, it underscores the nature of Kingdom ethics, inviting believers to embody Christ's character, redefine justice, and demonstrate the transformative power of vulnerability and grace in the face of aggression.
TRV