Lexical Summary hésuchios: Quiet, tranquil, peaceful Original Word: ἡσύχιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance peaceable, quiet. A prolonged form of a compound probably of a derivative of the base of hedraios and perhaps echo; properly, keeping one's seat (sedentary), i.e. (by implication) still (undisturbed, undisturbing) -- peaceable, quiet. see GREEK hedraios see GREEK echo HELPS Word-studies 2272 hēsý 2272/hēsy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prol. form of hésuchos (still, quiet) Definition tranquil NASB Translation quiet (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2272: ἡσύχιοςἡσύχιος, ἡσυχία, ἡσύχιον ((perhaps akin to ἧμαι to sit, Latinsedatus; cf. Curtius, § 568; Vanicek, p. 77)); from Homer down; quiet, tranquil: 1 Peter 3:4; βίος, 1 Timothy 2:2; Josephus, Antiquities 13, 16, 1. Topical Lexicon Conceptual Overview The Greek adjective rendered “quiet” in most English translations describes a state of settled calm, undisturbed by external agitation and free from internal strife. It is the restful atmosphere produced when one’s life is ordered under God’s gracious rule, displaying trust in His providence and contentment with His will. Far from passivity, this quietness is a positive, steady composure that enables fruitful service and sincere worship. Canonical Occurrences and Context 1 Timothy 2:2 urges prayer “for kings and all those in authority, so that we may live tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity”. The apostle links public intercession to social conditions favorable for gospel advance. Quietness here portrays a community life unthreatened by persecution or turmoil, allowing believers to pursue holiness and mission without distraction. 1 Peter 3:4 commends “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight”. Addressing Christian wives, Peter elevates inner character over outward adornment. The quiet spirit is an adornment that never decays—a temper of peace that reflects submission to Christ and confidence in His oversight of every circumstance. Link to Old Testament Theology of Quietness The Septuagint often uses related vocabulary to translate Hebrew words for repose and stillness (for example, Isaiah 30:15; Zephaniah 3:17). These passages tie quietness to salvation, covenant trust, and God’s protective presence. Thus, when the New Testament writers employ the term, they echo a long-standing biblical theme: God grants peace to those who rely on Him (Psalm 4:8; Proverbs 17:1). Quietness and the Character of Christ Jesus embodies perfect composure amid storm, crowd, and cross. His restful confidence in the Father permitted Him to sleep in a swamped boat (Mark 4:38) and to answer hostility with measured silence (Matthew 27:14). Believers are called to share in that same calm through union with Him (Matthew 11:29). The quiet spirit is therefore nothing less than Christlikeness expressed in emotional and relational stability. Ecclesial and Social Witness Early Christian apologists appealed to the peaceful demeanor of believers as evidence of the faith’s civic benefit. Communities marked by prayerful submission to authority and interpersonal tranquility undermined accusations of sedition (cf. Romans 13:1-7). Today, congregations practicing this virtue provide a compelling counterculture of restfulness in a turbulent world. Spiritual Formation and Personal Discipleship Cultivating quietness involves: Complementary Virtues and Fruit of the Spirit Quietness aligns with meekness, self-control, and peace—elements of the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). It supports patience in suffering (1 Peter 2:20-23) and fosters unity (Ephesians 4:2-3). By contrast, ambition, envy, and strife betray a restless heart at odds with divine wisdom (James 3:14-16). Historical Reception in Church Tradition From the desert fathers who sought interior stillness to Reformers who emphasized ordered worship and civil obedience, the church has esteemed quietness as a sign of mature faith. Hymns such as “Be Still, My Soul” testify that resting in God amidst life’s storms has long encouraged believers. Pastoral Implications for Today 1. Encourage corporate prayer for rulers, trusting God to grant peaceful conditions for gospel work. When embraced, the quiet spirit promised in Scripture yields strength, beauty, and an enduring testimony to the sufficiency of Christ. Forms and Transliterations ησυχιον ησύχιον ἡσύχιον ησυχιου ησυχίου ἡσυχίου πραέως esuchion ēsuchion hesychion hesýchion hēsychion hēsýchion praeos praeōs praéos praéōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 2:2 Adj-AMSGRK: ἤρεμον καὶ ἡσύχιον βίον διάγωμεν NAS: a tranquil and quiet life KJV: a quiet and peaceable life in INT: a tranquil and quiet life we might lead 1 Peter 3:4 Adj-GNS Strong's Greek 2272 |
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