### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dianeúō**, represented by `{{G1269}}`, means to **beckon**. It is derived from διά and νεύω and describes an action to nod or express by signs across an intervening space. This specific term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly noteworthy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G1269}}` is found in the narrative of a man who, after an experience in the temple, was rendered unable to speak. Upon coming out of the temple `{{G3485}}`, he could not `{{G3756}}` speak `{{G2980}}` to the people. They perceived `{{G1921}}` that he had seen a vision `{{G3701}}`, and as a result, he could only **beckon** to them, as he remained `{{G1265}}` speechless `{{G2974}}` [[Luke 1:22]]. This act of beckoning was his only means of communication.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the context of [[Luke 1:22]] illuminate the meaning of `{{G1269}}`:
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk, i.e. utter words): This is what the man was unable to do, creating the necessity for him to **beckon** instead.
* `{{G2974}}` **kōphós** (speechless): This word describes the state that forced the use of non-verbal communication. His remaining **speechless** confirmed the significance of the event.
* `{{G3701}}` **optasía** (an apparition): The **vision** was the direct cause of his speechlessness. The act of beckoning served as a sign to the people that a supernatural event had occurred.
* `{{G1921}}` **epiginṓskō** (to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge): This shows the effectiveness of the non-verbal sign. Through his beckoning, the people **perceived** or came to know that he had experienced a vision.
### Theological Significance
While a simple verb of action, the theological weight of `{{G1269}}` comes from its unique context.
* **A Sign of Divine Intervention:** The act to **beckon** is the physical evidence of a divine encounter. Because he could not speak `{{G2980}}`, his gestures became the proof that he had seen a vision `{{G3701}}` in the temple, a fact the crowd perceived `{{G1921}}`.
* **Communication Beyond Words:** The use of `{{G1269}}` highlights a moment where God's power supersedes normal human interaction. The inability to speak and the corresponding need to **beckon** underscore the profound nature of the vision he witnessed.
* **The Consequence of an Encounter:** His condition of being speechless `{{G2974}}` and having to resort to beckoning was a direct result of his experience in the holy temple `{{G3485}}`, demonstrating that encounters with the divine can have tangible, physical consequences.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1269}}` **dianeúō** is a term whose significance is defined entirely by its single, powerful context. While it simply means to **beckon**, its appearance in scripture serves as a crucial narrative device. It illustrates a moment when human speech fails in the face of a divine vision, and a simple gesture becomes the sole method of communicating a profound spiritual event to those waiting outside the temple.
TRV