σημαίνω (sēmainō)
sēmainō
to signify
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sēmainō simply means to give a sign or indicate something by a mark. Its root connects to sēma, which refers to a signal or token used for communication. In the New Testament, it appears only six times, serving as a functional bridge between an event and its meaning.
It often signals that a future reality is about to unfold through present actions. For instance, John notes that Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death he would die (John 12:33). Similarly, in Acts, a prophet named Agabus used a belt to signify that the Jerusalem Christians would be bound by the Jews there (Acts 21:11). The word clarifies that these physical acts were not random but deliberate communications of coming events.
Translators typically render it as "signify" or "indicate." This choice preserves the neutral, informative tone of the Greek. It does not carry the emotional weight of "warn" or the authority of "command," but rather points to a clear connection between a visible sign and an invisible truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that Jesus spoke a certain way to sēmainō, or signify, what He would face, it reveals a God who does not hide His plans in mystery. Instead, He uses clear signs to prepare our hearts. This word reminds us that the events of Scripture are not random accidents but deliberate communications from a loving Father.
We see this same pattern when Agabus used a belt to signify impending hardship for believers in Jerusalem. These actions were not merely theatrical; they were tangible markers pointing to spiritual realities. By understanding these signs, we learn to trust that God is actively guiding history and our personal lives toward His good purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- signifying3×
- to specify.1×
- he signified1×
- He signified [it]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σημαίνων3×
- ἐσήμανεν2×
- σημᾶναι.¶1×
Key Verses
-
John 12:33
But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.
This occurrence explicitly links Jesus' spoken words to the specific manner of His death, showing that His mission was understood through these divine signs.
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Acts 11:28
One of them named Agabus stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius.
Here the verb describes how Agabus used the Spirit to signify a coming famine, demonstrating its use in conveying prophetic information about future events.
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John 21:19
Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Jesus uses this term again to signify how Peter would glorify God through his death, connecting the sign directly to the disciple's ultimate faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sēmainō mean in the New Testament?
How is sēmainō different from a command?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
John 3 verses
But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.
John 18:32that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying by what kind of death he should die.
John 21:19Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow…