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σημαίνω

sēmaínō

G4591 verb

SILEX Entry

Root σημ- to mark, to indicate, to signal

Definition

To indicate or make known through a sign, to signal, to give a sign, to communicate (information) nonverbally or symbolically. The core sense is making something clear or manifest by a sign, gesture, or other means that does not always involve direct speech. In extended usage, can denote to reveal, to foretell, or to make known prophetically.

Semantic Range

to indicate, to signal, to give a sign, to make known, to communicate nonverbally, to foretell, to reveal through a sign

Root / Etymology

From the noun σῆμα (sēma, 'sign, mark, token'), with the verb-forming suffix -αίνω. σῆμα itself is of uncertain Indo-European origin, but is attested in early Greek, always denoting a marker or sign. σημαίνω thus means 'to make a sign' or 'to mark out by a sign.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σημαίνω frequently refers both to literal signaling (such as by gesture, semaphore, or trumpet blast) and to figurative signaling, such as indicating intention or conveying a message by indirect means. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, σημαίνω is often found in contexts where the meaning is not merely to 'signal' in a physical sense, but to reveal, disclose, or make known (often information about the future, as in prophecies or divine revelations). In the New Testament, it can describe Jesus or a prophet 'indicating' something through words or actions, or John using 'signs' to represent deeper truths. English Bible translations often render it 'signify,' 'indicate,' or 'give notice,' but these may obscure the more embodied sense of signaling or making manifest by some recognizable means, not necessarily verbal.

Translation Consistency

primary "indicate" 5 occurrences

"Indicate" naturally covers the primary sense of making something known by a sign, gesture, or symbol (to signal or show), while also fitting extended uses (reveal/foretell). It is common, clear English and matches the attested renderings (signify/signal) without sounding overly technical.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"signal" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (a mark; of uncertain derivation); to indicate:--signify.

Root Family

σημαίνω (sēmainō) — to mark, to indicate, to signal

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4591-02 σημαίνων semainon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG signifying signaling indicating 3
G4591-01 ἐσήμανεν esemanen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG made known he signaled he indicated 2
G4591-03 σημᾶναι semanai V AOR ACT INF to indicate to signal to signal 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4591-02 John 12:33 σημαίνων semainon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG signifying signaling indicating
G4591-02 John 18:32 σημαίνων semainon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG signifying signaling indicating
G4591-02 John 21:19 σημαίνων semainon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG signifying signaling indicating
G4591-01 Acts 11:28 ἐσήμανεν esemanen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG predicted he signaled he indicated
G4591-03 Acts 25:27 σημᾶναι semanai V AOR ACT INF to indicate to signal to signal
G4591-01 Revelation 1:1 ἐσήμανεν esemanen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG made known he signaled he indicated
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