ἡσύχιος
hēsýchios
G2272 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
quiet, tranquil, calm; primarily denoting a state or disposition characterized by a lack of disturbance, agitation, or public display. Indicates someone who is settled, composed, or undisturbed, whether in conduct, speech, or general demeanor. May also refer to gentle or unobtrusive behavior that does not create social unrest or conflict.
Semantic Range
quiet, calm, tranquil, undisturbed, gentle, peaceable, unobtrusive in conduct, free from commotion
Root / Etymology
From ἡσυχία (quietness, stillness), itself derived from the root ἡσυχ- (quiet, at rest). The ultimate origin is possibly pre-Greek or related to the verb ἔχω (to have, hold), but exact etymology is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἡσύχιος is attested as early as the 5th century BCE and generally describes the quality of being still, undisturbed, or free from noise or conflict, both in inner disposition and outward behavior. In Hellenistic and New Testament Greek, the adjective maintains the sense of quietness, often in moral or social contexts, such as advising individuals or groups to avoid causing disturbance or engaging in public controversy (see also 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Peter 3:4). Its use frequently stands in contrast to terms implying disorder or agitation, such as ταραχώδης (tumultuous) or ἀκατάστατος (unstable). Standard English translations often choose 'quiet,' 'peaceable,' or 'gentle,' but these renderings may not fully express the word’s nuance of composed, undisturbed conduct rather than mere silence. The term presumes the avoidance of disruptive, quarrelsome, or attention-seeking actions without necessarily implying passivity or withdrawal. In the Septuagint and later Jewish-Greek literature, ἡσύχιος is rare, but related forms (e.g., ἡσυχία) appear more frequently in contexts associated with wisdom, order, and proper social conduct.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a prolonged form of a compound probably of a derivative of the base of ἑδραῖος and perhaps ἔχω; properly, keeping one's seat (sedentary), i.e. (by implication) still (undisturbed, undisturbing):--peaceable, quiet.
Root Family
ἡσύχιος (hēsychios) — quiet, calm, tranquil, undisturbed
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2272-01 |
ἡσύχιον | esuchion | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
peaceable | quiet | tranquil | 1 |
G2272-02 |
ἡσυχίου | esuchiou | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
quiet | of quiet calm | quiet calm | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2272-01 |
1 Timothy 2:2 | ἡσύχιον | esuchion | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
peaceable | quiet | tranquil |
G2272-02 |
1 Peter 3:4 | ἡσυχίου | esuchiou | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
quiet | of quiet calm | quiet calm |