4525. sainó

Lexicon

sainó: To wag, to flatter, to fawn

Original Word: σαίνω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sainó
Pronunciation: sah'-ee-no
Phonetic Spelling: (sah'-ee-no)
Definition: To wag, to flatter, to fawn
Meaning: I fawn upon, flatter, beguile; pass: I am perturbed.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

agitate, flatter, move

Akin to seio; to wag (as a dog its tail fawningly), i.e. (generally) to shake (figuratively, disturb) -- move.

see GREEK seio

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. verb
Definition
to wag the tail, hence to greet, flatter, disturb
NASB Translation
disturbed (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4525: σαίνω

σαίνω: present infinitive passive σαίνεσθαι; (ΣΑΩ, σείω); 1. properly, to wag the tail: of dogs, Homer, Odyssey 16, 6; Aelian v. h. 13, 41; Aesop fab. 229, Halm edition (354 edition Coray); with ὀυρη added, Odyssey 17, 302; Hesiod theog. 771; οὐράν, Aesop, the passage cited; others; see Passow (or Liddell and Scott), under the word, I. 2. metaphorically,

a. to flatter, fawn upon (Aeschylus, Pindar, Sophocles, others).

b. to move (the mind of one), α. agreeably: passive, ὑπ' ἐλπίδος, Aeschylus, Oppian; ἀληθῆ σαινει τήν ψυχήν, Aristotle, metaphorically, 13, 3, p. 1090a, 37. β. to agitate, disturb, trouble: passive, 1 Thessalonians 3:3 (here A. V. move (Buttmann, 263 (226))) (here Lachmann ἀσαίνω, which see); οἱ δέ σαινόμενοι τοῖς μενοις ἐδακρυον, (Diogenes Laërtius 8, 41.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σαίνω, the concept of flattery or deceit can be found in various Hebrew terms such as חָלַק (chalaq • Strong's Hebrew 2505), which means to be smooth or slippery, often used metaphorically for deceitful speech or flattery.

Usage: The term σαίνω is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the act of flattering or fawning, often with the implication of deceit or insincerity.

Context: The Greek verb σαίνω appears in the New Testament context to convey the idea of flattery or insincere praise, akin to the way a dog might wag its tail to gain favor. This term is used to describe actions that are not genuine but are instead intended to manipulate or deceive. The metaphorical use of σαίνω suggests a behavior that is outwardly friendly or affectionate but lacks true sincerity or integrity.

In the Berean Standard Bible, σαίνω is used in 1 Thessalonians 2:5, where Paul writes, "As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!" Here, Paul emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of his ministry, contrasting it with those who might use flattery (σαίνω) for personal gain or deceitful purposes. This usage underscores the negative connotation of the term, associating it with manipulation and a lack of genuine intent.

The cultural context of the time would have been familiar with the concept of flattery as a means of persuasion or manipulation, making Paul's assertion of his and his companions' integrity all the more significant. By rejecting the use of σαίνω, Paul aligns his ministry with truthfulness and divine witness, setting a standard for Christian conduct that eschews deceitful practices.

Forms and Transliterations

σαινεσθαι σαίνεσθαι sainesthai saínesthai

Englishman's Concordance

1 Thessalonians 3:3 V-PNM/P
GRK: τὸ μηδένα σαίνεσθαι ἐν ταῖς
NAS: so that no one would be disturbed by these
KJV: That no man should be moved by these
INT: that no one be moved by the

Strong's Greek 4525
1 Occurrence

σαίνεσθαι — 1 Occ.