ἄσημος (asēmos)
asēmos
insignificant
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective asēmos describes something that is without a distinguishing mark or stamp. In its literal sense, it referred to currency that lacked official insignia, rendering it valueless or unrecognized by authorities. Metaphorically, the word conveys the idea of being obscure, unknown, or socially insignificant.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 21:39. The Apostle Paul uses it to describe his own standing before the crowd in Jerusalem, asking if they consider him a "Galilean" (or one who is obscure/insignificant) enough to dismiss. By invoking this word, Paul highlights how his humble, unremarkable origins contrast with the serious accusations brought against him, asserting that even an unknown man has rights and a voice.
The root of the word combines a negative prefix with sema, meaning "mark" or "sign." This etymology underscores the core concept: identity and value are often assigned by external recognition. In this single biblical instance, the word serves as a rhetorical tool for Paul to bridge the gap between his perceived low status and his legitimate authority as a citizen.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἄσημος describes something lacking a distinguishing mark, like unrecognised currency. In Acts 21:39, Paul uses it to describe his citizenship in Tarsus as not insignificant. This highlights how God values people regardless of their social standing or public recognition.
Your identity is not defined by external labels or status. Even when you feel overlooked, your worth remains secure in Christ. This truth offers comfort when life makes you feel small or unseen.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- insignificant1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀσήμου1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:39
But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
Paul uses the word to assert that his city's status matters, validating his right to speak despite appearing ordinary to the crowd.