### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sigáō**, represented by `{{G4601}}`, means **to keep silent**. It appears 12 times in 9 unique verses. Its definition, "to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)," covers a range of actions from holding one's peace to keeping something secret.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4601}}` is used in various contexts to denote the act of becoming or remaining quiet. It is often a response to a significant event or a command for order. For instance, a multitude **kept silence** to hear Paul and Barnabas speak [[Acts 15:12]], and James waited for them **to hold their peace** before he addressed the council [[Acts 15:13]]. After Jesus gave a profound answer, his adversaries **held their peace** in amazement [[Luke 20:26]]. The word also describes keeping a matter confidential, as when the disciples **kept it close** after the transfiguration [[Luke 9:36]], or regarding the mystery that was **kept secret** since the world began [[Romans 16:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of being silent:
* `{{G2678}}` **kataseíō** (to sway downward, i.e. make a signal:--beckon.): This word describes the physical gesture used to command silence. In Acts, Peter is **beckoning** with his hand for the crowd **to hold their peace** [[Acts 12:17]], directly causing the state of `{{G4601}}`.
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk, i.e. utter words:--preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.): This term for speaking often appears in contrast to `{{G4601}}`. In [[1 Corinthians 14:34]], the command for women to **keep silence** is paired with the prohibition **to speak**.
* `{{G5293}}` **hypotássō** (to subordinate; reflexively, to obey): This term is linked to `{{G4601}}` to show that silence can be an act of submission. The command for women to **keep silence** in the church is given alongside the instruction **to be under obedience** [[1 Corinthians 14:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4601}}` is evident in its various applications, from personal conduct to divine plans.
* **Posture for Revelation:** Silence is presented as the appropriate response to divine revelation and authority. The multitude **kept silence** to hear of God's miracles [[Acts 15:12]], and those who opposed Jesus **held their peace** in the face of his wisdom [[Luke 20:26]].
* **Order in the Church:** In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul uses `{{G4601}}` to establish principles for orderly worship. An individual is to **keep silence** if there is no interpreter [[1 Corinthians 14:28]] or if another receives a revelation [[1 Corinthians 14:30]], ensuring that the congregation can be edified in a structured manner.
* **Divine Concealment:** The term is elevated to a cosmic scale in [[Romans 16:25]], where it describes the mystery of the gospel that was **kept secret** for ages. This frames silence not just as a human discipline but as part of God's sovereign timing in revealing his redemptive plan.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4601}}` is a dynamic word that signifies more than a mere absence of sound. It can be a commanded silence for the sake of order [[Acts 12:17]], a response of awe in the face of divine wisdom [[Luke 20:26]], or a deliberate act of keeping a profound event confidential [[Luke 9:36]]. Ultimately, it extends from practical instruction for church conduct to the theological concept of a divine mystery **kept secret** until its appointed time of revelation [[Romans 16:25]], making it a key term for understanding reverence, order, and God's sovereign plan.
TRV