Lexical Summary asémos: Unmarked, indistinct, obscure Original Word: ἄσημος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ignoble, insignificantFrom a (as a negative particle) and the base of semaino; unmarked, i.e. (figuratively) ignoble -- mean. see GREEK a see GREEK semaino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and the same as sémainó Definition without mark NASB Translation insignificant (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 767: ἄσημοςἄσημος, ἄσημον (σῆμα a mark), unmarked or unstamped (money); unknown, of no mark, insignificant, ignoble: Acts 21:39. (3Macc. 1:3; in Greek writings from Herodotus down; tropically, from Euripides, down.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Context Strong’s Greek 767 (ἀσήμου) occurs once in the New Testament, at Acts 21:39. There, Paul tells the Roman commander, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city”. By denying that Tarsus is ἀσήμου, Paul affirms both his personal standing and the legitimacy of his appeal for justice. The word thereby functions rhetorically to contrast Paul’s true identity with the commander’s earlier assumption that he was the Egyptian insurgent (Acts 21:38). Historical Background In the mid–first century, Tarsus enjoyed the status of a free city within the Roman Empire, known for its university and civic privileges. When Paul asserts that Tarsus is “no insignificant city,” he draws on the honor–shame values of the Mediterranean world: citizens of a recognized polis were entitled to legal protections and social esteem. His declaration highlights the tension between Roman authority and the emerging Christian mission, underscoring how God used the apostle’s earthly citizenship to advance the gospel (compare Acts 22:25–29). Theological Implications 1. Divine Providence in Identity: Paul’s birthplace and status were sovereignly ordered to open doors for gospel witness before governors, kings, and eventually Caesar himself (Acts 9:15; Acts 23:11). Ministry and Pastoral Applications • Believers may value civic responsibilities without idolizing them. Paul models respectful engagement with governing authorities while keeping ultimate allegiance to Christ (Romans 13:1; Philippians 3:20). Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References • Citizenship language: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). Exegetical Observations • Syntax: ἀπὸ ταρσοῦ τῆς κιλικίας, οὐκ ἀσήμου πόλεως (“from Tarsus in Cilicia, not of an insignificant city”). The litotes (“not insignificant”) magnifies Tarsus’s reputation without boastful exaggeration, fitting Paul’s balanced tone. Forms and Transliterations άσημα άσημον ασημου ασήμου ἀσήμου άσηπτα άσηπτον ασήπτων asemou asēmou asḗmouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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