Lexical Summary hésuchazó: To be quiet, to rest, to be at peace Original Word: ἡσυχάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cease, hold peace, be quiet, rest. From the same as hesuchios; to keep still (intransitively), i.e. Refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech -- cease, hold peace, be quiet, rest. see GREEK hesuchios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as hésuchios Definition to be still, be silent NASB Translation fell silent (1), kept silent (1), lead a quiet life (1), quiet life (1), quieted down (1), rested (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2270: ἡσυχάζωἡσυχάζω; 1 aorist ἡσύχασα; (ἥσυχος (equivalent to ἡσύχιος)); as in Greek writings from Aeschylus down, to keep quiet, i. e. a. to rest, to cease from labor: Luke 23:56. b. to lead a quiet life, said of those who are not running hither and thither, but stay at home and mind their business: 1 Thessalonians 4:11. c. to be silent, i. e. to say nothing, hold one's peace: Luke 14:4 (3); Acts 11:18; Acts 21:14 (Job 32:7; ἡσύχασαν καί οὐχ εὕροσαν λόγον, Nehemiah 5:8). The verb behind Strong’s Greek Number 2270 appears five times in the New Testament and consistently conveys a deliberate quietness—either of speech or of activity. Whether describing the calm acceptance of God’s will, Sabbath rest, or orderly daily living, the term points to an inner composure that expresses trust in the Lord and consideration for others. Quiet Submission to God’s Will (Acts 11:18; Acts 21:14) When Peter recounted the conversion of Cornelius, the Jerusalem believers “quieted down and glorified God” (Acts 11:18). Their cessation of objection signified a surrender to God’s redemptive plan that included the Gentiles. Likewise, after repeated pleas failed to deter Paul from journeying to Jerusalem, his companions “remained silent and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done’ ” (Acts 21:14). The verb underscores a holy resignation: once the Lord’s purpose became evident, debate ceased and worshipful acquiescence followed. Compassionate Silence in the Face of Authority (Luke 14:4) Jesus posed a question about healing on the Sabbath, yet “they remained silent” (Luke 14:4). The rulers’ inability—or unwillingness—to answer exposed the poverty of legalistic religion. Here the verb marks a silence born not of peace but of conviction; Jesus’ compassionate act would soon fill the void their silence created. Sabbath Rest and Reverent Obedience (Luke 23:56) After preparing burial spices for Jesus, the women “rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56). Their quiet pause between the agony of the crucifixion and the dawn of resurrection models obedient stillness in liminal moments. The verb links physical inactivity with spiritual attentiveness, honoring both the Law and the Lord. Orderly Christian Living (1 Thessalonians 4:11) Paul instructs believers to “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). Here the term stretches beyond silence into an ethos of steady, unpretentious diligence. Such quiet industry fosters witness before outsiders (verse 12) and promotes harmony within the church. Theological Themes • Trustful Submission: Quietness follows recognition of God’s sovereign purpose. Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman society, public speech and debate were prized, yet philosophers also extolled inner tranquility. The New Testament writers adopt the vocabulary of calm but root it in covenant faithfulness and Spirit-wrought peace rather than in mere stoicism. Jewish Sabbath practice already emphasized rest, giving the term a rich resonance for first-century believers navigating both Jewish and Gentile settings. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Discern when to speak and when to be still; silence can proclaim trust as powerfully as words. Devotional Reflection Moments of obedient quietness often precede God’s decisive action: the church yields, and Gentiles receive the gospel; women rest, and resurrection dawns. The Spirit still invites believers to a settled heart that says, “The Lord’s will be done,” confident that holy silence is never empty but filled with the presence and promise of God. Englishman's Concordance Luke 14:4 V-AIA-3PGRK: οἱ δὲ ἡσύχασαν καὶ ἐπιλαβόμενος NAS: But they kept silent. And He took hold KJV: And they held their peace. And he took INT: but they were silent And having taken hold [of him] Luke 23:56 V-AIA-3P Acts 11:18 V-AIA-3P Acts 21:14 V-AIA-1P 1 Thessalonians 4:11 V-PNA Strong's Greek 2270 |
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