σιωπάω (siōpaō)
siōpaō
be quiet
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb siōpaō means to be silent or still. It describes a state of quietness, whether it is the voluntary choice to hold one’s peace or an involuntary inability to speak. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from Jesus calming the sea to individuals being unable to answer charges against them.
Its meaning stems from siōpē, which implies silence or a hush. The sources note that this word often carries a sense of muteness or stillness, distinguishing it slightly from similar terms that emphasize a deliberate refusal to speak. This nuance is visible when Jesus commands the storm to be quiet in Mark 4:39, or when the blind man’s cries are silenced in Mark 10:48.
Translators typically render siōpaō as "be quiet" or "keep silent." The word appears ten times in the Gospels and Acts, often highlighting moments of divine authority or human restraint. Its usage underscores the power of silence, whether imposed by circumstance or commanded by God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Being told to be quiet can feel like being ignored or dismissed. Yet this word appears when people are silenced by circumstance or commanded by Jesus. It reminds us that silence is not always emptiness; sometimes it is a space where God speaks.
In Mark 4:39, Jesus uses this word to calm the storm. He does not shout over the wind but commands stillness with authority. This shows that true peace comes from His presence, not from our own noise or effort.
When we feel overwhelmed, we can trust that God hears us even in silence. Like the blind man who cried out despite being told to be quiet (Mark 10:48), our persistent faith matters more than perfect words. Rest in the knowledge that He is near, even when you have no answers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will be silent,1×
- was silent.1×
- they were silent;1×
- they were silent.1×
- they may be silent.1×
- silent1×
- may be silent,1×
- he may be silent.1×
- Silence!1×
- He was silent1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐσιώπων·1×
- ἐσιώπων.1×
- ἐσιώπα.1×
- ἐσιώπα1×
- σιώπα,1×
- σιωπῶν1×
- σιωπήσῃς,1×
- σιωπήσῃ.1×
- σιωπήσωσιν.1×
- σιωπήσουσιν,1×
Key Verses
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Mark 4:39
He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Jesus commands the sea to be still, showing His authority over chaos and fear.
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Mark 10:48
Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!”
The blind man ignores orders to be quiet, demonstrating persistent faith in Jesus' mercy.
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Luke 19:40
He answered them, “I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out.”
Jesus declares that if people were silent, creation itself would proclaim His identity.
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Acts 18:9
The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent;
The Lord encourages Paul not to be silent, highlighting the importance of faithful witness.