from σιγή; to keep silent (transitively or intransitively):--keep close (secret, silence), hold peace.
Transliteration:sigáō
Pronunciation:see-gah'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb σιγάω (G4601), transliterated as *sigáō*, derives from the noun σιγή (G4602), meaning "silence." Its core meaning is "to keep silent" or "to be silent." The base definition provided indicates its usage can be both intransitive (to be silent oneself) and transitive (to cause something to be silent, or to keep something secret). This semantic range allows *sigáō* to convey a spectrum of meanings, from a simple cessation of speech to the deliberate act of withholding information or maintaining a state of quietness. It can imply a respectful quietude, a strategic withholding of words, or even a divine imposition of stillness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Sigáō* appears in the New Testament in various significant contexts, each revealing a nuanced application of its core meaning:
* **Divine Authority Over Creation:** In [[Mark 4:39]], Jesus commands the stormy wind and sea to "be silent" (*sigáō*). Here, the word signifies a powerful, authoritative cessation of chaos, demonstrating Jesus' divine power over the natural world.
* **Keeping a Secret or Withholding Information:** Following the Transfiguration, the disciples "kept silent" (*sigáō*) and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen ([[Luke 9:36]]). This silence indicates a deliberate act of keeping a profound spiritual experience secret, perhaps out of awe, confusion, or obedience to Jesus' earlier instruction. Similarly, [[Romans 16:25]] speaks of the mystery that "was kept silent" (*sigáō*) for long ages, referring to the Gospel truth previously hidden but now revealed. This highlights the concept of divine revelation unfolding in God's appointed time.
* **Suppression and Resistance:** The crowd attempts to silence the persistent blind man in [[Luke 18:39]], telling him to "be silent" (*sigáō*). This illustrates an attempt to suppress a cry for help or to maintain social order, which Jesus ultimately overrides. In a contrasting yet related context, Jesus states, "If these were silent, the very stones would cry out" ([[Luke 19:40]]), emphasizing the undeniable truth of His identity and mission, which cannot ultimately be suppressed.
* **Silence Due to Inability to Respond:** After Jesus' masterful response to His adversaries, they "kept silent" (*sigáō*) and could not catch Him in His words ([[Luke 20:26]]). This silence signifies their defeat and inability to refute Jesus' wisdom, demonstrating His intellectual and spiritual superiority.
* **Attentive and Respectful Silence:** In the Jerusalem Council, after Peter's testimony, "all the assembly fell silent" (*sigáō*) to listen to Paul and Barnabas ([[Acts 15:12]]). This instance portrays a deliberate, respectful silence, indicating a readiness to listen and give full attention to important testimony and deliberation.
* **Order and Decorum in Worship:** The apostle Paul uses *sigáō* extensively in [[1 Corinthians 14]] to regulate public worship. He instructs those speaking in tongues without an interpreter to "keep silent" (*sigáō*) in the church ([[1 Corinthians 14:28]]), and similarly, if a revelation comes to another, the first speaker should "keep silent" (*sigáō*) ([[1 Corinthians 14:30]]). Most notably, he instructs women to "keep silent" (*sigáō*) in the churches, stating it is not permitted for them to speak, but to be in submission ([[1 Corinthians 14:34]]). These passages highlight the importance of order, mutual edification, and proper authority structures within the gathered assembly, ensuring that worship is conducted decently and in order. The "silence" here is not absolute muteness but relates to refraining from disruptive or unauthorized speech in the context of public teaching and prophecy.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Sigáō* is closely related to its noun form σιγή (G4602), "silence." Another significant related word is σιωπάω (G4623), also meaning "to be silent." While often used interchangeably in some contexts, *sigáō* can sometimes imply a more active or deliberate keeping of silence, or the keeping of a secret, whereas *siōpáō* might refer more to a general state of being quiet or refraining from speech, often out of awe or astonishment.
Concepts related to *sigáō* include:
* **Authority:** As seen in Jesus' command to the storm.
* **Reverence and Awe:** The disciples' silence after the Transfiguration.
* **Wisdom and Discernment:** The ability to know when to speak and when to remain silent.
* **Order and Decorum:** Especially in the context of church assembly.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's prerogative to reveal or conceal truth according to His plan.
* **Submission:** As understood in the instructions regarding women's roles in public worship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *sigáō* is multifaceted. It underscores the profound power of Jesus, whose very command can silence the forces of nature, demonstrating His divine lordship. The concept of a "mystery kept silent" for ages (e.g., [[Romans 16:25]]) points to God's sovereign plan of revelation, where truths are unveiled at the appointed time, emphasizing divine wisdom and control over history.
In the context of the church, *sigáō* is crucial for understanding the principles of order and edification in corporate worship. The instructions in [[1 Corinthians 14]] highlight that speech in the assembly must be regulated for the common good, preventing chaos and ensuring that all things are done for building up the body of Christ. The specific instruction for women to "keep silent" in the churches (G4601) is a point of significant theological discussion, often interpreted in light of the broader Pauline teaching on headship, authority, and the distinct roles within the church, aiming for harmonious and orderly worship rather than absolute prohibition of all speech. This silence is not about devaluing individuals but about maintaining the structural and functional order God has established for the assembly.
Furthermore, the silence of Jesus' adversaries (e.g., [[Luke 20:26]]) serves as a powerful testament to His unparalleled wisdom and divine authority, demonstrating that human opposition and cunning are ultimately silenced before the truth of God.
### Summary
The Greek verb σιγάω (G4601) fundamentally means "to keep silent" or "to be silent," encompassing both intransitive and transitive uses. Its biblical occurrences reveal a rich semantic range, from Jesus' authoritative silencing of the storm to the respectful quietude of an assembly, and the deliberate keeping of secrets or divine mysteries. The word is particularly significant in the Pauline epistles for establishing principles of order and decorum in corporate worship. Theologically, *sigáō* speaks to divine power and sovereignty, the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, and the importance of structured, edifying conduct within the Christian community. It underscores that silence, whether imposed or chosen, often serves a divine purpose in revealing truth, maintaining order, or demonstrating authority.
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