[Greek] σιγάω (sigaō), [Latin] tacere, [Latin] tacitus, [Latin] silere, [French] etre silencieux: to keep silent, to be silent, to silence, to hold, to keep a secret, to keep quiet, to hold one’s 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 (mute), to hold one’s peace, to hush, to say nothing, to be secret, wrapped in silence, and would have never heard of.
Euripides’ Hippolytus 336: “I’m silent now. The word henceforth is yours.”
Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus 980: “For I will not be silent, when you have gone so far in impious speech.”
Aristophanes’ Birds 1684: “All right, you two arrange the matter; make peace, since you wish it so, I’ll hold my peace.”
Euripides’ The Suppliants 298: “No. I will not hold my peace to blame myself afterwards for having kept silence to my shame.”
Aeschines’ On the Embassy 2.86: “How could the thing have been hushed up?”
Euripides’ Hippolytus 312: “And I beg you by the gods to say nothing of this man again.”
Aeschylus Suppliant Women 181: “I see the dust as the voiceless herald of an army.”
Euripides’ Alcestis 78: “Why is the house of Adetus wrapped in silence?”
Plato’s Euthydemus 300b: “Why asked Dionysodorus, may there not be a speaking of the silent?”
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).
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 (dumbfounded) 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.
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 to be silent and to keep quiet. Tacit means assumed and done without words. The Latin verb reticere, means to keep silent and be silent. Reticence means silence or a keeping silent. The Latin verb silere means to be quite or still.
Conclusion:
Tacit, silent, silence, reticent, reticence
Even in Greek Hellenism, it is interesting to note that holding one’s tongue and being wrapped up in silence have been tacitly assumed and done throughout history. Plato provides quite prophetic words, pertaining to one’s character.
When someone hears the “voice” of God in one’s midst, I would also become speechless. The scribes and chief priests were so dumbfounded by Jesus, they had no words.
Update: The woke company Disney, refusing to keep be quiet about the social culture wars, recently lost its special tax exemption.
Others are even criticizing Disney for not further speaking out about sex and gender.
Now more and more companies are being more reticent (reluctant) to speak out about social cultural issues.
Parents are no longer being silent when it comes to sex/gender and CRT.
Protesters are not being silent about the pending Supreme Court decision regarding Roe vs. Wade. (They are targeting Supreme Court justices and pregnancy-care facilities.)
Holding one’s peace in collusion is still being complicit in collusion.
But some may no longer hold their peace when they may potentially face impending legal prosecution.
Censorship, content moderation, and political motivations are often used to to hush things up.
Many continued to try to avoid or say nothing about Hunter Biden.
The pro-life movement is fighting for and advocating for the voiceless (the unborn).
Many want Hunter’s laptop to remain wrapped in silence.
Several mainstream media correspondents (reporters) remain silent about talking the targeting of pro-life (pregnancy) centers.
Several media entities continue to remain silent about that movie about “ballot mules” because of legal concerns???
And this vision of silence that was planted in my brain still remained (in this post). (sorry — Simon and Garfunkel) ☺☺
At this point, I really don’t have anything further to say about this term. ☺☺
It goes without saying that we are constantly faced with issues which sometimes force us to speak up, to remain silent, or to be excluded. Some of us are helpless and shackled, often becoming prisoners or slaves to circumstances. They often become subjected to difficulties. Then there are the voiceless who are the most vulnerable, who need advocates to speak for them and to serve their cause. Their voices cannot remain silent.
Next post: Being a slave (or servant) to circumstances