εὔσημος
eúsēmos
G2154 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Clearly marked, easily recognized or distinguished; by extension, notable or significant. The primary sense denotes that something is readily perceived or evident, either through a distinct mark, feature, or signal; in figurative use, can describe an idea or meaning that is clear, unambiguous, or readily understood.
Semantic Range
clearly marked, conspicuous, easily recognized, manifest, notable, significant, clearly understood
Root / Etymology
From the prefix εὖ ('well') and the root of σῆμα ('sign', 'mark') or σημαίνω ('to indicate', 'to give a sign'). The formation denotes that which bears a good or clear sign.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Hellenistic Greek, εὔσημος appears rarely in classical sources and more often in later Greek. In usage, the term frequently referred to objects or persons that were easily identifiable by some mark or sign, such as a landmark or a branded slave. In literary or rhetorical contexts, εὔσημος could refer to speech or meaning that is plain or manifest. In the New Testament (e.g., 2 Corinthians 8:8), εὔσημος is used figuratively to indicate something easily understood or clearly demonstrated. English translations have at times rendered it 'plain', 'manifest', or 'easy to be understood'; however, these can obscure the visual or signaling nuance present in the Greek. Related to σῆμα ('sign'), it can be contrasted with ἀσύμβολος ('unmarked', 'unrecognizable'). The word maintains a similar sense in the Septuagint and in later Greek. Its relatively rare usage marks it as a slightly elevated or literary term rather than colloquial or common Koine.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὖ and the base of σημαίνω; well indicated, i.e. (figuratively) significant:--easy to be understood.
Root Family
εὔσημος (eúsēmos) — sign, mark, indicate; clearly marked, manifest, easily recognized
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2154-01 |
εὔσημον | eusemon | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
clear | clearly marked | clearly marked | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2154-01 |
1 Corinthians 14:9 | εὔσημον | eusemon | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
clear | clearly marked | clearly marked |