ἡσυχία

From the study of 1 Timothy 2:11

Range of meaning

BDAG gives two senses: (1) a state of quiet without disturbance, meaning calm, peace, a settled life; (2) saying nothing or very little, meaning silence. The related adjective hēsychios means 'quiet' or 'tranquil'. The verb hēsychazō means 'to be at rest' or 'to keep quiet', and depending on context it can mean stopping speech (Luke 14:4; Acts 11:18) or living quietly (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

Against the English

The KJV has 'silence' (Latin Vulgate: in silentio). Most modern versions (BSB, WEB, YLT, NIV) have 'quietness', and the ESV and NASB have 'quietly'. 'Silence' takes the narrower sense and can suggest a total ban on speaking. 'Quietness' keeps the wider sense of demeanour, but can sound like nothing more than a soft voice.

How it drifted

Partly a matter of the Latin tradition. The Vulgate's silentio shaped the KJV's 'silence'. Paul has a separate verb for 'be silent' (sigaō, used in 1 Corinthians 14:34), and he does not use it here.

Used elsewhere in the period

New Testament: Acts 22:2 (the crowd 'became even quieter', meaning they stopped shouting so they could listen); 2 Thessalonians 3:12 ('work with quietness', meaning a settled life as opposed to meddling). In this same chapter, 1 Timothy 2:2 asks prayer so that 'we' (all believers) may lead 'a peaceful and quiet [hēsychios] life'. 1 Peter 3:4 praises 'a gentle and quiet [hēsychios] spirit' in wives. Outside the New Testament, ancient education valued a learner who listened quietly. Plutarch's essay On Listening to Lectures tells young men to listen in silence and not interrupt. Pirqe Avot 1:17 (in the Mishnah, a collection of Jewish teaching): 'I have found nothing better for a person than silence.' Greek moral writing also had a stock line: 'silence brings adornment to women' (Sophocles, Ajax 293, quoted by Aristotle, Politics 1260a). It uses sigē, a different word, but it echoes the theme of 'adornment' in verses 9–10.

From the study of 1 Timothy 2:12

Range of meaning

Quietness, calm, stillness, an undisturbed and peaceable manner. It can include not speaking, as in Acts 22:2, where a crowd 'became even more quiet' to listen. More often it describes a settled, non-disruptive way of life: 2 Thess 3:12, 'work with quietness'. The adjective appears in 1 Tim 2:2 ('a peaceful and quiet life') and 1 Pet 3:4 ('a gentle and quiet spirit').

Against the English

KJV and NRSV 'silence' suggests saying nothing at all. BSB/ESV/CSB 'remain quiet', WEB/YLT 'quietness' and NLT 'listen quietly' stay closer to the sense of a calm, receptive manner.

How it drifted

Through the Vulgate's in silentio and the KJV, 'silence' became the familiar English. Paul has a separate verb for 'be silent' (sigaō, used in 1 Cor 14:34), and he does not use it here.

Used elsewhere in the period

Greco-Roman moralists praised women's quietness and reserve in public. Plutarch's Advice to the Bride and Groom (Coniugalia praecepta) 31–32 says a wife should talk to her husband or through him. Jewish wisdom also valued quiet learners. Paul's own word-family in 2:2 applies to all believers.

From the study of 2 Thessalonians 3:12

Range of meaning

Calm, rest, stillness, freedom from disturbance. It describes a settled life that does not stir up trouble or meddle in others' affairs. A narrower sense, 'silence, saying little', occurs where the context is speaking (Acts 22:2; 1 Tim 2:11–12). BDAG lists the 'quietness, undisturbed state' sense first and puts this verse there.

Against the English

KJV, WEB and NASB have 'with quietness' or 'in quiet fashion'. ESV and BSB have 'quietly'. NIV and NLT have 'settle down'. 'Quietly' can suggest working without talking. 'Settle down' is closer to the sense of a calm life instead of agitation.

How it drifted

In current English 'quiet' is mostly about sound, so 'work quietly' sounds like working in silence. Latin also played a part: the Vulgate's cum silentio ('with silence') gave the phrase a long afterlife in Western readings about silent labour.

Used elsewhere in the period

In Greek moral writing, 'living quietly' (hēsychian agein) was the ideal of the person who keeps out of political and social agitation and minds their own affairs. Plato's philosopher 'keeps quiet and does his own business' in a bad city (Republic 496d). 1 Tim 2:2 pairs it with 'peaceful': 'a peaceful and quiet life'. Paul's closest parallel is 1 Thess 4:11: 'make it your ambition to live quietly (hēsychazein), to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands.'