from ἐννεύω; dumb (as making signs), i.e. silent from astonishment:--speechless.
Transliteration:enneós
Pronunciation:en-neh-os'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1769 (ἐννεός, *enneós*) is derived from the verb ἐννεύω (*enneuō*), which means "to nod" or "to make signs." Consequently, the core meaning of G1769 denotes a state of being unable to speak, often implying a physical inability to vocalize or a profound internal state that renders one speechless. The base definition "dumb (as making signs)" highlights that the individual, though unable to speak, may still attempt to communicate non-verbally. The added nuance "silent from astonishment" further refines its semantic range, indicating that this speechlessness is not necessarily a chronic physical condition but a temporary, overwhelming state brought on by shock, awe, or profound wonder. It signifies an incapacitation of speech due to an extraordinary or astonishing experience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1769 (ἐννεός) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke.
* **[[Luke 1:22]]**: "And when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them and remained speechless."
* This verse describes Zechariah's condition immediately after his encounter with the angel Gabriel in the Temple. Having expressed doubt regarding the angel's prophecy concerning the birth of John the Baptist, Zechariah is struck dumb.
* The context perfectly illustrates the full semantic range of G1769. The text explicitly states Zechariah "could not speak" (οὐκ ἠδύνατο λαλῆσαι), and crucially, that "he kept making signs to them" (διένευεν αὐτοῖς), directly linking to the root ἐννεύω. His state is then summarized by G1769 ("remained speechless"). His speechlessness is not merely a physical impairment but a direct, divinely imposed consequence of his astonishment and initial unbelief in the face of an extraordinary angelic revelation. It serves as both a sign to others that something miraculous has transpired and a temporary judgment upon Zechariah himself.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Word:** The direct etymological link is ἐννεύω (*enneuō*), which means "to nod" or "to make signs." This connection is vital for understanding the "making signs" aspect inherent in G1769.
* **Related Terms for Muteness/Speechlessness:**
* `{{G2974}}` (κωφός, *kōphos*): Often translated as "deaf" or "mute/dumb." This term can describe a congenital or chronic condition of being unable to speak or hear. In [[Luke 1:62]], Zechariah is referred to as *kōphos* by his relatives, indicating the perceived physical state of muteness. While Zechariah was indeed mute, G1769 emphasizes the *cause* (astonishment/divine intervention) and the *manner* (making signs) of his speechlessness, whereas `{{G2974}}` describes the *physical condition*.
* `{{G214}}` (ἄλαλος, *alalos*): Means "mute" or "speechless," sometimes used in contexts of demonic influence causing muteness (e.g., [[Mark 9:17]], [[Mark 9:25]]).
* `{{G4601}}` (σιγάω, *sigaō*): "To be silent" or "to keep silence," often by choice, command, or necessity.
* `{{G5392}}` (φιμόω, *phimoō*): "To muzzle" or "to silence," often implying a forceful or authoritative silencing.
* **Thematic Connections:** The concept of G1769 is thematically connected to divine judgment, divine signs, miraculous intervention, and the profound impact of encountering the sacred on human faculties.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G1769 in the New Testament, in the narrative of Zechariah's muteness, carries profound theological weight.
* **Divine Judgment and Sign:** Zechariah's speechlessness is a direct, tangible consequence of his initial unbelief in the face of Gabriel's incredible prophecy. It serves as both a mild divine judgment and an undeniable sign confirming the truthfulness and certainty of the angelic message. His inability to speak becomes a living, visible prophecy, marking the extraordinary nature of God's work.
* **Preparation for Revelation:** This enforced silence is not solely punitive. It compels Zechariah into a period of profound contemplation and dependence, preparing him for the monumental events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah. This period of enforced quietude likely deepened his understanding and faith, as his speech returns only after he affirms John's name, demonstrating his renewed faith and obedience ([[Luke 1:63-64]]).
* **The Authority of God's Word:** The incident powerfully underscores the absolute authority and efficacy of God's word. When human doubt arises against a divine pronouncement, the very faculty of speech, through which humans express their thoughts and doubts, can be temporarily suspended by divine will, revealing God's sovereignty over human faculties.
* **Symbolism of Silence:** In biblical narratives, silence often precedes or accompanies profound divine revelation. Zechariah's silence is a sacred pause, a period of anticipation before the climactic events of salvation history unfold through John and Jesus. It highlights the awe-inspiring and sometimes overwhelming nature of encountering the divine, rendering human words inadequate or unnecessary.
### Summary
The Greek word G1769 (ἐννεός, *enneós*) precisely describes a state of being "speechless" or "dumb," specifically due to astonishment or as a result of making signs. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 1:22]] is profoundly illustrative. Zechariah, having doubted the angel Gabriel's message, is struck G1769, unable to speak and forced to communicate through gestures. This condition, directly stemming from the root ἐννεύω ("to nod" or "make signs"), serves as both a divine judgment for his unbelief and a powerful, undeniable sign of God's miraculous intervention. Theologically, Zechariah's divinely imposed silence underscores the absolute authority of God's word, prepares him for the unfolding of salvation history, and symbolizes the awe-inspiring impact of divine encounter. While related to general terms for muteness like `{{G2974}}` (*kōphos*), G1769 uniquely emphasizes the *cause*—an overwhelming, astounding experience—and the *manner*—communication through signs.
TRV