### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατασείω (kataseíō, `{{G2678}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (katá), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb σείω (seíō, `{{G4579}}`), meaning "to shake" or "to agitate." When combined, these elements yield a specific semantic range related to a deliberate, controlled motion, typically with the hand. The base definition indicates "to sway downward" or "to make a signal." This is not a violent or involuntary shaking, but rather a purposeful gesture. Its primary usage in the New Testament is to "beckon," "motion," or "signal" for attention or silence, often involving a downward or sweeping motion of the hand. It signifies a non-verbal command or request for a hearing, distinct from verbal communication, yet serving a similar communicative function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κατασείω occurs only twice in the New Testament, both instances found in the book of Acts, highlighting its specific application within narratives of public interaction and communication:
1. **[[Acts 12:17]]**: "But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison." Here, Peter, having been miraculously freed from prison, finds a gathering of believers praying for him. Upon his sudden appearance, their astonishment likely led to noise and commotion. Peter's action of "motioning with his hand" (κατασείω τῇ χειρὶ) was a practical and effective way to command attention and silence from the excited crowd, enabling him to share the miraculous news of his deliverance. This use underscores the verb's function in establishing order for the purpose of conveying vital information.
2. **[[Acts 19:33]]**: "Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, as the Jews put him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, intending to make a defense to the people." In the midst of the riot in Ephesus, instigated by Demetrius against Paul and the Way, Alexander attempts to address the agitated crowd. His action of "motioning with his hand" (κατασείω τὴν χεῖρα) signifies an attempt to gain a hearing and bring a measure of order to the chaotic assembly, so that he might present an explanation or defense. This instance, like the first, illustrates κατασείω as a gesture used to secure an audience or to quiet a disturbance, though in this case, Alexander's attempt was ultimately unsuccessful due to the crowd's prejudice.
In both contexts, κατασείω is associated with a hand gesture (τῇ χειρὶ or τὴν χεῖρα, `{{G5495}}`) and is employed in situations requiring the speaker to gain control of a boisterous or surprised audience before delivering a message.
### Related Words & Concepts
While κατασείω is quite specific in its usage, it relates to broader concepts of communication, authority, and non-verbal expression in the biblical world.
* **σείω (seíō, `{{G4579}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to shake," "to agitate," or "to cause to tremble." While σείω can describe earthquakes ([[Matthew 27:51]]) or the shaking of nations ([[Hebrews 12:26]]), the prefix κατά in κατασείω transforms a general shaking into a deliberate, directed signal, often with the hand. This highlights the nuance that prefixes can bring to a base verb, shifting its meaning from a general state or action to a specific, intentional one.
* **Non-verbal Communication**: The use of gestures, particularly hand movements, was a crucial aspect of communication in the ancient world, especially in public settings where voices could be drowned out or where immediate attention was required. This includes other forms of non-verbal cues mentioned in Scripture, such as bowing, prostrating, or raising hands in prayer.
* **Words for Speaking/Commanding**: While κατασείω is non-verbal, its purpose is often to facilitate verbal communication. It functions as a precursor to words, aiming to create the necessary conditions for speech. Related concepts would include verbs like λαλέω (laleō, `{{G2980}}`, to speak), λέγω (legō, `{{G3004}}`, to say), or κελεύω (keleuō, `{{G2753}}`, to command).
* **Words for Silence/Attention**: The gesture aims to achieve silence (σιγάω - sigaō, `{{G4601}}`, to be silent) or attention (προσέχω - prosechō, `{{G4337}}`, to pay attention).
### Theological Significance
While κατασείω does not carry profound theological weight in itself, its occurrences offer insightful glimpses into the practicalities of divine revelation and human interaction within the early Christian community.
Firstly, in [[Acts 12:17]], Peter's beckoning for silence underscores the importance of order and receptivity when communicating God's mighty acts. The miraculous deliverance of Peter was a testament to God's power and faithfulness, a truth that needed to be clearly conveyed and understood. The gesture, therefore, served as a humble yet effective means to facilitate the sharing of divine truth and to manage the human response to the miraculous. It shows that even in moments of divine intervention, practical human actions are necessary to ensure the message is heard and comprehended.
Secondly, the use of κατασείω in both instances highlights the human need for attention and the means by which messages, including those of the gospel, are conveyed in a fallen world. In a noisy, chaotic, or distracted environment, a simple, clear gesture can be instrumental in preparing hearts and minds to receive a message. It implicitly acknowledges the challenges of communication and the human effort required to overcome them, even when the message is divinely inspired.
Ultimately, κατασείω reminds us that the transmission of the sacred often relies on mundane, practical means. It is a small but significant detail that illustrates the incarnational nature of divine communication, where spiritual realities are conveyed through physical actions and human limitations.
### Summary
κατασείω (kataseíō, `{{G2678}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to beckon" or "to motion," specifically with the hand, to command silence or gain attention. Its two occurrences in the New Testament, both in the book of Acts ([[Acts 12:17]], [[Acts 19:33]]), consistently depict a purposeful hand gesture used to establish order or secure a hearing in a noisy or agitated crowd. This word highlights the practical necessity of non-verbal communication in the ancient world, serving as a vital precursor to verbal discourse. Theologically, it underscores the human effort involved in facilitating the reception of divine truth and managing the human response to God's acts, even within miraculous contexts. It is a simple yet effective tool for communication, ensuring that important messages, including those pertaining to the gospel, can be heard and understood.
TRV