ἡσυχάζω (hēsuchazō)
hēsuchazō
be quiet/give up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hēsuchazō describes a deliberate state of being quiet or still, often implying a cessation of activity rather than mere silence. It can mean to rest from labor, as seen when the women rested on the Sabbath after preparing spices (Luke 23:56), or to live quietly by minding one’s own business and avoiding unnecessary disturbance (1 Thessalonians 4:11). This usage suggests a peaceful, orderly conduct in daily life.
In narrative contexts, the word frequently signals holding one’s peace during tense moments. The crowd fell silent when they heard Paul’s defense before Felix (Acts 21:14), and the listeners were quieted when Peter explained God’s inclusion of Gentiles (Acts 11:18). While similar to words meaning simply "to be silent," hēsuchazō carries a broader sense of settling down, ceasing agitation, or finding rest in stillness.
Its root connects to the idea of calmness and stability. Translators often render it as "keep quiet" or "rest," capturing both the physical cessation of work and the social act of remaining silent to allow others to speak or to maintain peace. The word emphasizes a positive, composed stillness rather than forced silence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hēsuchazō invites us into a rhythm of peace that goes beyond simply keeping our mouths shut. It describes a deliberate settling down, a choice to cease agitation and find stability in God’s presence. In the Gospels, we see this stillness as a prelude to healing or understanding, reminding us that quiet moments are often where God speaks most clearly.
In daily life, this call to be quiet extends to how we conduct ourselves among others. It encourages a demeanor of minding our own affairs and working with our hands, fostering an environment of order and trust within the community. This is not about isolation, but about creating space for peace and preventing unnecessary conflict.
When tensions rise or when we feel compelled to control outcomes, this word offers a gentle invitation to rest. It suggests that true strength often looks like holding our peace, trusting that the Lord’s will is sufficient. By embracing this stillness, we open ourselves to the comfort and guidance that only a quiet heart can receive.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we were silent1×
- to live quietly1×
- they were silent.1×
- they were silent1×
- they rested1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἡσύχασαν2×
- ἡσύχασαν.1×
- ἡσυχάσαμεν1×
- ἡσυχάζειν1×
Key Verses
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Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace and glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life!”
The listeners cease their debate and glorify God, showing how hēsuchazō marks a shift from argument to acceptance of divine grace.
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Luke 23:56
They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
The women rest on the Sabbath, illustrating the word’s connection to obedient stillness and trust in God’s timing after intense activity.
-
I Thessalonians 4:11
and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you,
Paul urges believers to live quietly and mind their own business, linking this inner stillness to practical, orderly daily conduct.