Lexical Summary sémeioó: To mark, to signify, to indicate Original Word: σημαίω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance note. From semeion; to distinguish, i.e. Mark (for avoidance) -- note. see GREEK semeion NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sémeion Definition to mark, note NASB Translation take special note (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4593: σημειόωσημειόω, σημείῳ: (σημεῖον), to mark, note, distinguish by marking; middle present imperative 2 person plural σημειοῦσθε; to mark or note for oneself (Winers Grammar, § 38, 2 b.; Buttmann, § 135, 4): τινα, 2 Thessalonians 3:14 (cf. Buttmann, 92 (80); Winers Grammar, 119 (113)). (Theophrastus, Polybius, Philo, Dionysius Halicarnassus, others; (Psalm 4:7, the Sept.).) Topical Lexicon Root and Semantic Field The verb σημείοω belongs to the wider biblical language of “sign-making.” Throughout Scripture, “signs” (σημεῖα) authenticate, warn, or identify. By extension, the lone New Testament use of σημείοω calls believers to identify a person whose conduct contradicts apostolic instruction, thereby making his behavior unmistakably clear to the community. Occurrence in the New Testament 2 Thessalonians 3:14 is the sole appearance: “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him, and do not associate with him, so that he will be ashamed.” The aorist imperative “take special note” commands deliberate, observable action, not private disapproval. Paul couches it among final exhortations, granting it weight equal to prayer, perseverance, and peace (2 Thessalonians 3:1–16). Immediate Context in 2 Thessalonians The epistle counters idleness bred by eschatological confusion (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13). Some believers exploited charity while refusing to work. Paul had modeled toil (“working night and day,” 3:8) and taught that “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat” (3:10). Verses 14-15 outline a restorative process: 1. Identify the offender publicly (σημείοω). Thus the verb serves pastoral discipline within a familial, redemptive framework. Biblical Theology of Marking and Separation • Romans 16:17 urges believers to “watch out for those who create divisions,” echoing the idea of marking disruptive persons. Historical Reception in the Early Church Patristic writers treated 2 Thessalonians 3:14 as foundational for congregational discipline. The Didache (4.13) and Apostolic Constitutions (2.41) reflect the same movement: admonish first, then exclude table fellowship if repentance fails. The practice safeguarded doctrinal purity and communal charity, particularly against exploitative loafing that burdened early Christian relief systems. Pastoral and Ministry Significance 1. Community Preservation: Deliberate marking protects the flock from corrosive examples (1 Corinthians 5:6). Contemporary Application • Benevolence Policies: Churches often confront those who seek aid while refusing personal responsibility. Paul’s directive legitimizes conditional generosity. Related Themes for Further Study Discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11); Accountability (Galatians 6:1); Church Purity (Ephesians 5:25-27); Shame as a Moral Corrective (Philippians 3:19); Apostolic Authority (2 Thessalonians 3:4, 6). Summary Strong’s 4593 captures a vital, if rarely used, New Testament principle: the church must visibly identify persistently disobedient members, not to ostracize as foes but to awaken them as family. Through orderly, compassionate marking, congregations uphold apostolic teaching, model holiness, and invite the wayward back to fruitful fellowship. Forms and Transliterations εσημειώθη σημειουσθε σημειούσθε σημειοῦσθε σημείωσιν semeiousthe semeioûsthe sēmeiousthe sēmeioûstheLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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