Greek · G4601 · unreviewed

σιγάω

To keep silent (transitively or intransitively)

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σιγάω G4601
Pronunciation sigáō

What does σιγάω (sigáō) mean in the Bible?

σιγάω (sigáō) is a Greek word meaning "to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)". σιγάω, -ῶ (σιγή), [in LXX for חָרַשׁ, חָשָׁה, etc.

Full entry for σιγάω (G4601) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)
Extended definition

Enforced silence or restraint—often ecclesial context of speakers being required to cease speaking

(σιγή), [in LXX for חָרַשׁ, חָשָׁה, etc. ;]

1intrans., to be silent, keep silence: Luk.9:36 18:39 20:26, Act.12:17 15:12-13, 1Co.14:28 14:30 14:34.
2Trans., to keep secret; pass., to be kept secret: Rom.16:25.
Synonymsἡσυχάζω, σιωπάω
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Grammatical Forms

How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.

Tenses
Aorist Present
Voices
Active
Indicative states a fact or reality
Aorist Active Luke 9:36 · Luke 20:26 · Acts 15:12
Imperative command or strong request
Present Active 1 Cor 14:28 · 1 Cor 14:30 · 1 Cor 14:34
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose
Aorist Active Luke 18:39
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract
Present Active Acts 12:17
Aorist Active Acts 15:13
Discourse Aspect

How this verb appears across 9 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).

Aspect
completed 3 imperative 3 subjunctive 1 infinitive 2
Tense
aorist 5 present 4
Voice
active 9
Mood
imperative 3 indicative 3 infinitive 2 subjunctive 1

Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.

Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)

Biblical Occurrences
Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources