σεμνότης
semnótēs
G4587 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Quality of dignity or seriousness befitting respect; the state or condition of being worthy of honor, gravitas, or moral integrity. Frequently used to describe the decorum, seriousness, and moral conduct expected in leaders or those in positions of responsibility. Also signifies an internal quality of moral uprightness and respectability.
Semantic Range
dignity, seriousness, gravity, moral integrity, respectability, honorable conduct, decorum, veneration
Root / Etymology
From σεμνός (semnós), meaning 'worthy of respect, honorable, dignified,' with the abstract noun suffix -της (-tēs), indicating a quality or state. Thus, σεμνότης is the state or quality of being σεμνός.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σεμνότης referred to the state or attribute of σεμνός: dignity, majesty, a bearing worthy of reverence or respect, often with connotations of gravity or seriousness. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the New Testament, the usage narrowed to emphasize moral seriousness, dignity in behavior, and the respectable manner expected in community leaders (cf. 1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 2:7). The term often describes the ethical decorum and dignified conduct appropriate to one's social or religious responsibilities. English translations—such as 'gravity' (KJV) or 'dignity'—capture aspects of the concept, but may underplay the full scope, which involves not just outward bearing but a quality of uprightness and respectability. The term is distinct from ἀρετή (virtue) or ἁγιότης (holiness) in that it especially emphasizes the public, visible aspect of honorable character. In non-biblical Koine literature, it can signal a stately or appropriate seriousness, suitable for influential social roles. The semantic overlap with Latin 'gravitas' is notable.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σεμνός; venerableness, i.e. probity:--gravity, honesty.
Root Family
σεμν- (semnós) — to revere, to venerate, to honor
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G4586 | σεμνός | dignified things |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4587-01 |
σεμνότητα | semnoteta | N ACC F SG |
dignity | dignity | dignity | 1 |
G4587-02 |
σεμνότητι | semnoteti | N DAT F SG |
dignity | in dignity | dignity | 1 |
G4587-03 |
σεμνότητος | semnotetos | N GEN F SG |
gravity | of dignity | dignity | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4587-02 |
1 Timothy 2:2 | σεμνότητι | semnoteti | N DAT F SG |
dignity | in dignity | dignity |
G4587-03 |
1 Timothy 3:4 | σεμνότητος | semnotetos | N GEN F SG |
gravity | of dignity | dignity |
G4587-01 |
Titus 2:7 | σεμνότητα | semnoteta | N ACC F SG |
dignity | dignity | dignity |