ἄσημος
ásēmos
G767 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having no distinguishing mark or sign; hence, lacking notable reputation or significance. Primarily denotes being 'unmarked,' that is, not bearing a physical mark or symbol of distinction. By extension, describes someone or something lacking renown, prominence, or social standing: 'undistinguished,' 'obscure,' or 'of no consequence.' The sense moves from literal absence of a mark to figurative lack of social/communal recognition.
Semantic Range
unmarked, undistinguished, obscure, insignificant, lacking distinction; lacking reputation; not notable; not bearing a mark or sign
Root / Etymology
From the negative prefix ἀ- (a-, 'not') and the base of σῆμα (sēma, 'mark, sign'). The word is constructed as ἄσημος, literally 'without a mark' or 'unmarked.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἄσημος referred to coins or objects lacking an official stamp or sign, thus not recognized or validated. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term expanded to describe people lacking reputation, status, or distinction—one who is 'obscure' or 'of low account.' In Acts 21:39, the term designates a city as 'insignificant' or 'not eminent.' English Bible translations often use 'mean' or 'insignificant,' but these capture only the metaphorical sense. No direct Hebrew equivalent in Septuagint usage; conceptually related to Hebrew 'חֹל' (common, profane) in some legal contexts, though the Greek does not convey ritual impurity. The word does not refer to moral qualities but social, legal, or notable status. Unlike terms such as εὐγενής ('well-born, noble'), ἄσημος emphasizes the lack of any mark of distinction, whether by birth, status, or reputation. Translating as 'ignoble' or 'mean' can obscure the physical-metaphorical linkage present in Greek usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and the base of σημαίνω; unmarked, i.e. (figuratively) ignoble:--mean.
Root Family
ἄσημος (asēmos) — mark, sign, token, unmarked, undistinguished
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G767-01 |
ἀσήμου | asemou | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
insignificant | of an undistinguished one | of an undistinguished one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G767-01 |
Acts 21:39 | ἀσήμου | asemou | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
insignificant | of an undistinguished one | of an undistinguished one |