[Greek] σιγάω (sigaō), [Latin] tacere, [French] etre silencieux: to keep silent, to be silent, to silence, to hold, to keep secret, to keep quiet, to hold peace: Lk.9:36, Lk.18:39, Lk.20:26, Acts 12:17, Acts 15:12-13, 1Cor.14:28,30,34
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to be silent, to keep secret, secret, hidden, to be still, to hold one’s tongue, and to keep a secret. Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus 980 states “For I will not be silent, when you have gone so far in impious speech.” Aristophanes’ Birds 1684 states “All right, you two arrange the matter, make peace, since you wish it; I’ll hold my tongue.” Homer’s Odyssey 17.393 states “Be silent: do not, I bid thee, answer yonder man with many words for Antinous is wont ever in evil wise to provoke anger.” Euripides’ Alcestis 78 states “What means this stillness before the palace? Why is this house of Admentus wrapped in silence?” Euripides’ The Suppliants 298 states “No then, I will not hold my peace to blame myself afterwards for having now kept silence to my shame, nor I will forego my honorable proposal.”
Old Testament: This term means to hush, to be silent, to hold, to keep silent, to be speechless, to be dumb, and to devise (in a secret way). And he said ‘Keep silence.’ And all who attended him left him (Jdg.3:19). Let all the earth be silent before Him (Hab.2:20). Now David knew that Saul was plotting evil against him (1Sam.23:9). I will not keep silence concerning his limbs (Job 41:12). A heart devises wicked plans (Pro.6:18). Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved (Neh.8:11). They will put their hand over their mouths; their ears will become deaf (Mic.7:16).
New Testament: This term means to keep quiet, to be quiet, and to be hidden. On several occasions (instances), others were silenced or kept quiet willingly or unwillingly. In 1Cor.14 Paul lays out instructions when to be silent during times of receiving revelation. Upon His instructions, the disciples keep secret of what they saw of Jesus’ Transfiguration. The people were trying to silence (and prevent) the crippled beggar from seeking salvation from Jesus. The chief priests and scribes fell silent upon hearing Jesus’ words about honoring Caesar. At the end of Romans, a doxology presents Jesus Christ’s revelation being kept secret for long ages. This revelation was obscurely hidden through prophecy, types, covenant, and sacrifices in the Old Testament.
Scripture:
“After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.” Lk.9:36
Jesus was seen transfigured with Moses and Elijah. Jesus instructed Peter, John, and James not to reveal what they had seen at this time.
“They were unable to trap Him by something He might say before the people, and so amazed were they at His reply that they fell silent.” Lk.20:26
The scribes and chief priests were attempting to trick Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar. They were hoping to find incriminating statements from Jesus questioning His loyalty to the Roman authorities or to His disciples.
“Now to Him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages.” Rom.16:25
A doxology occurs at the end of Romans. A doxology is a short liturgical formula or hymn of praise. The mystery of Jesus Christ’s revelation has been hidden in the Old Testament.
Etymology: The Latin adjective tacitus, the past participle of the Latin verb tacere, means what is passed over in silence. This provides the modern word tacit. The Latin verb reticere, meaning to keep silent, provides the modern words reticent and reticence. Reticence means silence or a keeping silent. The Latin verb silere means to be quite or still.
Conclusion:
Tacit, silent, silence, reticence, reticent
It was interesting to discover that this term has a metaphorical meaning: to hold one’s tongue (in order to be quiet). Homer points out that silence is sometimes necessary in order to not provoke someone (or something). Another interesting metaphorical and nuanced example is being wrapped up (around) in silence. This notion implies secrecy, deception, or agreement. Euripides also points out that silence can refer to keeping something hidden or back. Such examples may refer to shame or blame.
In the Old Testament, holding one’s tongue or keeping the peace is common. Keeping dumb can imply deafness, speech and the tongue cut off, and God not answering one’s prayers. Devising means making plans in secret.
In the New Testament, this term means to keep quiet or being hidden. Paul establishes principles concerning when there is no interpreter of revelation. The disciples actually faithfully follow Jesus’ instructions in keeping His Transfiguration secret. The people are unable to stop the beggar for speaking out in his desire to receive salvation from Jesus. The chief priests and scribes were made speechless by Jesus’ response to their attempts to trick Him about paying homage to Caesar.
Plato’s words “Your silence gives consent” are quite prophetic and applicable to any time in history, concerning important pivotal events about morality, values, and human rights. Such issues may include genocides, military slaughters, the Jewish holocaust, and abortion. Such issues generally result in public condemnation and opposition to such evils. Silence, although not always, may give others the impression of complicity, consent (tacit agreement), or active participation in such evils. This can also apply to silence about defunding the police, riots, looting, property destruction, cancel culture, and voter fraud.
Perhaps the biggest lie in recent months is the notion that the 2020 presidential election was the “most secure” election in history. Many political leaders have been silent and have used political considerations (rather than the ballots) to select a new president of the United States.
Voter fraud concerns:
Arizona: Why is there a forensic audit occurring in Maricopa County?
New Hampshire: Why was 28% of the vote not counted?
Georgia: Why is Fulton County hiring criminal defense attorneys to fight against an election audit? Why are there growing calls for an forensic audit in Georgia?
Michigan: Why is there an election fraud lawsuit in Antrim County? Why did 10,000 dead people vote in the 2020 election?
Pennsylvania: Why is Pennsylvania considering to follow the example of the forensic audit in Arizona?
Nevada: Why are the citizens of Nevada clamoring for an forensic audit in Nevada?
I will now be silent and end with these final thoughts:
Qui tacet consentit (He who remains silent consents).
Next post: calling for silence.