### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κινέω (kinéō, `{{G2795}}`) fundamentally denotes the act of "moving," "stirring," or "setting in motion." Derived from a poetic form of εἶμι (eimi, "to go"), its core meaning implies a dynamic transition from one state or position to another. It is inherently transitive, indicating that something or someone is causing the movement in another object or entity.
The semantic range of κινέω extends from literal physical displacement to profound figurative applications. Literally, it describes the physical act of "shaking," "wagging," or "removing" an object from its place. Figuratively, it encompasses the concepts of "disturbing," "agitating," "inciting," or "causing a commotion." This versatility allows κινέω to describe both the subtle tremor and the cosmic upheaval, the personal gesture and the societal unrest. It can signify a deliberate action, a consequence of divine power, or the very condition of existence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κινέω appears several times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating different facets of its meaning:
* **Physical Motion (Derision):** In [[Matthew 27:39]] and [[Mark 15:29]], those passing by the crucified Jesus are described as "wagging" (κινέω) their heads in mockery. Here, κινέω signifies a specific physical gesture of derision and contempt, a visible sign of rejection and scorn.
* **Existential Dependence:** [[Acts 17:28]] presents a profound theological statement: "for in him we live and move and have our being." The inclusion of κινέω ("move") within this triad underscores the absolute and continuous dependence of all existence and activity upon God. It speaks to the very essence of creaturely being, sustained moment by moment by the divine will. This is not merely physical locomotion but the capacity for any form of activity or change.
* **Social Agitation:** In [[Acts 21:30]], the entire city of Jerusalem is described as being "stirred up" (ἐκινήθη, a form of κινέω) by the false accusation against Paul. Similarly, [[Acts 24:5]] records Tertullus's accusation against Paul as "one who stirs up (κινοῦντα) riots among all the Jews throughout the world." In these contexts, κινέω denotes inciting unrest, causing public disturbance, or agitating a crowd, highlighting the disruptive power of false accusations and human malice.
* **Divine Power and Cosmic Upheaval:** [[Hebrews 12:26]] refers to God's voice, which "shook" (ἐκίνησεν) the earth at Sinai, and His promise to "shake" (κινήσω) not only the earth but also the heavens. This usage emphasizes God's sovereign power to cause cataclysmic, transformative events. The imagery is echoed in [[Revelation 6:14]], where, during the opening of the sixth seal, "every mountain and island was removed (ἐκινήθησαν) from its place." Here, κινέω describes the ultimate, irreversible displacement of established structures, signaling divine judgment and the radical reordering of creation.
* **Judgment and Removal of Privilege:** In [[Revelation 2:5]], the risen Christ warns the church in Ephesus that if they do not repent, He will "remove" (κινήσω) their lampstand from its place. This is a figurative use, signifying the withdrawal of divine presence, blessing, or the very existence of the church as a witness. It implies a judgment that displaces the church from its privileged position, a consequence of spiritual declension.
### Related Words & Concepts
κινέω is part of a semantic field related to motion, change, and stability.
* **Root and Synonyms of Motion:** Its connection to εἶμι (eimi, "to go") highlights its fundamental link to movement. Other Greek words expressing motion include ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`, "to come, go"), πορεύομαι (poreuomai, `{{G4198}}`, "to travel, journey"), and χωρέω (chōreō, `{{G5561}}`, "to make room, go forward"). While these often describe self-initiated movement, κινέω frequently implies an external cause.
* **Antonyms of Stability:** The concept of κινέω is often contrasted with words denoting stability, immobility, or steadfastness. For instance, ἀκίνητος (akinētos, `{{G277}}`, "immovable") directly opposes κινέω. Other related concepts include ἑδραῖος (hedraios, `{{G1476}}`, "firm, steadfast") and ἀσάλευτος (asaleutos, `{{G761}}`, "unshaken"). The tension between κινέω and these terms underscores the biblical emphasis on both divine sovereignty (God can shake anything) and human call to steadfastness in faith.
* **Concepts of Change and Agitation:** κινέω overlaps with words like ταράσσω (tarassō, `{{G5015}}`, "to trouble, agitate") when referring to emotional or social disturbance. It also relates to the broader theological concepts of judgment, transformation, and divine action in history.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κινέω is multifaceted, touching upon divine sovereignty, human existence, and eschatological realities.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The most profound theological use of κινέω is in describing God's ability to "shake" or "move" creation. In [[Hebrews 12:26]], it signifies God's absolute power to bring about cosmic upheaval, not merely as a destructive force but as a prelude to a new, unshakable kingdom. This demonstrates that all created order is contingent upon God's will and can be transformed or removed by His command. The shaking of the earth and heavens in Revelation further emphasizes God's ultimate control over history and creation, culminating in a divine reordering.
2. **Human Dependence on God:** [[Acts 17:28]] provides a foundational truth about human existence: "in him we live and move and have our being." This statement, rooted in ancient philosophical thought but recontextualized by Paul, asserts that even the most basic capacity for movement and life is not inherent to humanity but is continually sustained by God. It is a powerful affirmation of divine immanence and the radical dependence of all creation upon its Creator.
3. **Judgment and Consequences:** The "removal of the lampstand" in [[Revelation 2:5]] illustrates a critical aspect of divine judgment. It signifies the active withdrawal of God's presence and blessing from a disobedient church, leading to a loss of its purpose and identity. This "moving" is not arbitrary but a just consequence of spiritual unfaithfulness, highlighting the conditional nature of divine favor for corporate bodies.
4. **Human Agency and Sin:** The use of κινέω to describe human actions of derision ([[Matthew 27:39]]) and inciting riots ([[Acts 21:30]]; [[Acts 24:5]]) underscores the capacity of humanity for both malicious and disruptive behavior. These instances reveal the negative impact of human will when directed against God or His purposes, causing social unrest and contributing to injustice.
### Summary
The Greek word κινέω (kinéō, `{{G2795}}`) is a dynamic verb signifying "to move," "to stir," or "to set in motion." Its semantic range extends from literal physical displacement, such as wagging heads in derision ([[Matthew 27:39]]), to profound figurative applications, including the agitation of a crowd ([[Acts 21:30]]) or the ultimate shaking of the cosmos by divine power ([[Hebrews 12:26]]).
Theologically, κινέω illuminates several crucial truths: it affirms humanity's absolute dependence on God for existence and every capacity for activity ([[Acts 17:28]]); it powerfully conveys God's sovereign authority to transform or judge creation through cosmic upheaval ([[Revelation 6:14]]); and it describes the serious consequences of spiritual declension, such as the removal of a church's privilege ([[Revelation 2:5]]). Furthermore, it highlights human capacity for both physical and social disruption through malice. Ultimately, κινέω portrays a world in constant motion, whether by divine decree or human action, revealing the active hand of God in sustaining, judging, and reordering all things.
TRV