σημειόω (sēmeioō)
sēmeioō
to note
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sēmeioō means to mark or note something, often with a specific purpose in mind. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 2 Thessalonians 3:14, where Paul instructs the church to "note" those who are living in disorderly ways. This usage reflects its root meaning of making a distinct mark or distinction.
Derived from sēmeion (sign), the word carries the idea of setting something apart for attention or action. The middle voice form, sēmeiōomai, suggests noting something for oneself, implying personal responsibility in recognizing and responding to what is marked. This nuanced usage highlights the importance of discernment in community life.
While its occurrence is rare, the word's presence in 2 Thessalonians underscores the early Christian emphasis on maintaining order and accountability within the church. By marking those who disrupt communal harmony, Paul encourages believers to uphold standards that reflect their shared faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek verb sēmeioō carries the simple but weighty idea of making a distinct mark or note. In the New Testament, it appears just once, in Paul’s second letter to the church at Thessalonica. Here, he asks believers to 'note' those who live in disorderly ways. This is not about gossip or exclusion for its own sake, but about clear boundaries that protect the community’s shared life and purpose.
For your faith, this word reminds us that discernment is part of loving care. Marking someone is an act of clarity, intended to bring shame to sin so that restoration might follow. It calls us to pay attention to how we live among others, ensuring our actions reflect the peace and order Christ brings. When we notice discord, we are invited to respond with wisdom, not anger.
This rare word shows that early Christians valued accountability as a sign of their unity. By noting what disrupts harmony, they sought to preserve the gospel’s witness. Today, it encourages us to be thoughtful about our influence in relationships, choosing actions that build up rather than tear down.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do take note1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σημειοῦσθε1×
Key Verses
-
II Thessalonians 3:14
If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man and have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of sēmeioō, where Paul uses it to instruct believers to mark those living in disorderly ways for the purpose of correction.