σιγή (sigē)
sigē
silence
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sigē refers to a profound, often reverent silence rather than mere absence of noise. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet each occurrence carries significant weight. In Acts 21:40, Paul uses this word when he requests permission to address the crowd in Jerusalem, indicating a deliberate pause for order and attention before speaking.
The second instance occurs in Revelation 8:1, where heaven falls silent for about half an hour after the opening of the seventh seal. This usage suggests a moment of awe or anticipation before divine judgment unfolds. The word’s root is associated with hushing or calming sounds, implying that this silence is active and purposeful, not passive.
Translators typically render sigē as "silence," though its theological resonance extends beyond quietness. It marks transitions in biblical narrative—moments where speech pauses to allow for reflection, reverence, or impending revelation. In both Acts and Revelation, this silence serves as a bridge between action and response.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sigē describes a silence that is active and purposeful, not merely the absence of noise. In Acts 21:40, Paul asks for this kind of quiet before addressing a restless crowd in Jerusalem. It is a pause meant to gather attention and prepare hearts for what matters most. This reminds us that stillness can be a deliberate act of faith, creating space for clarity amidst chaos.
Revelation 8:1 presents a different scene: heaven itself falls silent for half an hour after the seventh seal is opened. Here, silence signals awe and anticipation before divine action unfolds. It suggests that some moments require us to stop speaking and simply listen. In our own lives, these pauses invite reflection rather than reaction.
When we encounter quiet in Scripture, it often marks a transition. Whether in the heat of conflict or the weight of judgment, silence serves as a bridge between action and response. We are invited to trust that God speaks even when words cease. This stillness is not emptiness but an invitation to deeper understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- silence2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σιγῆς1×
- σιγὴ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:40
When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,
Paul uses this silence strategically to gain the crowd's attention before speaking in Hebrew, showing it as a tool for order and focus.
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Revelation of John 8:1
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
Heaven’s half-hour silence follows the opening of the seventh seal, marking a solemn pause that heightens anticipation for impending judgment.