"to indicate by a sign, to signal; to indicate, intimate, Jn. 12:33; 18:32; 21:19; to make known, communicate, Acts 11:28; Rev. 1:1; to specify, Acts 25:27*"
Definition and meaning
to indicate by a sign, to signal; to indicate, intimate, Jn. 12:33; 18:32; 21:19; to make known, communicate, Acts 11:28; Rev. 1:1; to specify, Acts 25:27*
In the original Greek the word is written: σημαίνω
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of semaino (G4591) across the King James Bible.
This he said, signifying what death he should die.
That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
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Common questions
Strong's G4591 (semaino) is a Greek word that means: to indicate by a sign, to signal; to indicate, intimate, Jn. 12:33; 18:32; 21:19; to make known, communicate, Acts 11:28; Rev. 1:1; to specify, Acts 25:27* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word semaino (G4591) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4591 is semaino, a Greek word defined as: to indicate by a sign, to signal; to indicate, intimate, Jn. 12:33; 18:32; 21:19; to make known, communicate, Acts 11:28; Rev. 1:1; to specify, Acts 2. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
semaino is a Greek word found in the New Testament.