### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G4953 (sýssēmon) is a compound word derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the root of σημαίνω (sēmainō), meaning "to give a sign" or "to indicate." Consequently, its core meaning is "a sign in common," "a common sign," or "a preconcerted signal." It refers to a specific, pre-arranged mark or indication that conveys a particular message to those who are privy to its meaning. The emphasis lies on the shared understanding and prior agreement concerning the sign's significance. The English translation "token" effectively captures this nuance of a distinguishing or identifying mark arranged beforehand.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4953 (sýssēmon) appears only once in the New Testament, making its single context particularly weighty for understanding its biblical usage. It is found in the Gospel of Mark:
* "Now the betrayer had given them a sýssēmon, saying, 'The one I kiss is the man; seize him and lead him away under guard.'" [[Mark 14:44]]
In this pivotal passage, sýssēmon refers to the prearranged signal used by Judas Iscariot to identify Jesus to the arresting party in the Garden of Gethsemane. The "kiss" was not a spontaneous act of affection but a deliberate, pre-planned "token" by which the armed crowd could distinguish Jesus from His disciples in the darkness. The context underscores the calculated and treacherous nature of Judas's actions. The sýssēmon served as a precise, agreed-upon identifier, facilitating the arrest of Jesus. This singular occurrence highlights the word's function as a specific, often clandestine, signal for a particular, predetermined action.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek terms and concepts illuminate the meaning of G4953 (sýssēmon):
* **σημαίνω (sēmainō) `{{G4591}}`**: This is the verbal root from which sýssēmon is derived, meaning "to signify," "to indicate," or "to give a sign." It represents the broader action of conveying information through a sign.
* **σημεῖον (sēmeion) `{{G4592}}`**: A more general and frequently used term for "sign," "mark," or "wonder." While sýssēmon is a specific type of sign (one that is pre-arranged), sēmeion can refer to a wide range of indicators, including miraculous signs (e.g., [[John 2:11]]), prophetic signs, or distinguishing marks. Sýssēmon falls under the broader category of sēmeion but specifies the element of prior agreement.
* **σύν (syn) `{{G4862}}`**: The preposition "with" or "together," which forms the first part of the compound sýssēmon. It emphasizes the communal or shared understanding of the sign.
* **δίδωμι (didōmi) `{{G1325}}`**: "to give." In [[Mark 14:44]], Judas "had given" (δέδωκεν) the sýssēmon, highlighting the intentional and active delivery of the signal.
* **Betrayal**: The concept of betrayal is inextricably linked to sýssēmon in its sole biblical appearance. The "token" of the kiss, a symbol of intimacy and trust, is perverted into an instrument of treachery, underscoring the depth of Judas's perfidy.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet profoundly significant, appearance of G4953 (sýssēmon) in the narrative of Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane imbues it with deep theological meaning. The "preconcerted signal" of Judas's kiss serves as a chilling illustration of human sin and the perversion of good into evil. A gesture traditionally associated with affection and loyalty becomes the very means of identifying the Son of God for His capture and eventual crucifixion. This highlights the insidious nature of betrayal and the extent to which human depravity can corrupt even sacred symbols.
From a broader theological perspective, this sýssēmon, while born of human malice, was not outside the sovereign plan of God. It was a crucial step in the unfolding of divine redemption, allowing Jesus to be delivered into the hands of those who would crucify Him, thereby fulfilling prophecies and accomplishing salvation. The scene underscores the mystery of divine sovereignty working through human agency, even sinful agency, to achieve His ultimate purposes. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the outward appearance of the sýssēmon (a kiss) and its true, malevolent intent serves as a theological warning against hypocrisy and the danger of outward show masking inner corruption. Jesus' quiet submission to this sýssēmon also speaks to His willingness to endure humiliation and suffering in obedience to the Father's will.
### Summary
The Greek word G4953 (sýssēmon) precisely denotes a "preconcerted signal" or "token," emphasizing a sign that is mutually understood and agreed upon by specific parties. Its singular, yet profoundly impactful, occurrence in [[Mark 14:44]] describes Judas Iscariot's kiss as the prearranged sýssēmon to identify Jesus for arrest. This usage critically highlights the calculated nature of betrayal and the tragic perversion of a gesture of affection into an instrument of treachery. Theologically, the sýssēmon in this context underscores the depth of Jesus' suffering, the stark reality of human sin, and the mysterious interplay of divine sovereignty with human free will in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It serves as a potent reminder that even the most heinous acts can, by God's design, serve His ultimate, salvific purpose.
TRV