### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κίνησις (kínēsis, `{{G2796}}`) is derived from the verb κινέω (kineō, `{{G2795}}`), meaning "to move," "to stir," or "to agitate." As a noun, κίνησις denotes the *act* or *state* of motion, agitation, or stirring. It describes a departure from stillness or rest, implying a physical disturbance or movement. While its base meaning is straightforward, its single biblical occurrence imbues it with specific contextual significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κίνησις (kínēsis, `{{G2796}}`) appears only once in the New Testament:
* [[John 5:3]]: "In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water."
This verse describes the scene at the pool of Bethesda, where a large number of sick and infirm people gathered. They awaited a specific phenomenon: the "moving" (κίνησις) of the water. While [[John 5:4]] (often considered a later textual addition) explicitly mentions an angel stirring the water, the belief system described in [[John 5:3]] centers on the physical agitation of the water as a sign of divine activity, leading to the opportunity for healing for the first person to enter. The "moving" was the critical, anticipated event, a visible disturbance that triggered hope and action among the afflicted. It signifies a physical, observable stirring, which was understood by the people as a prerequisite for miraculous intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κινέω (kineō, `{{G2795}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to move, to stir, to shake." Examples include its use in [[Acts 17:28]] ("in him we live, and move, and have our being") or [[Matthew 23:4]] ("not move them with one of their fingers"). It denotes the action that κίνησις describes as a state or event.
* **Σάλος (salos, `{{G4535}}`):** Refers to the tossing or surging of waves, often implying instability or disturbance, especially of water bodies.
* **Τάραχος (tarachos, `{{G5016}}`):** Denotes a disturbance, trouble, or commotion, which can be external (e.g., of a crowd) or internal (e.g., mental agitation).
* **Σεισμός (seismos, `{{G4578}}`):** Signifies an earthquake, a shaking, or a commotion, often implying a more violent or significant movement.
* **Divine Movement as a Motif:** Throughout scripture, movement often symbolizes divine presence, intervention, or judgment (e.g., the Spirit of God "hovering" over the waters in [[Genesis 1:2]], or the "shaking" of creation in prophetic texts like [[Hebrews 12:26-27]] referencing [[Haggai 2:6]]). In the context of [[John 5:3]], the "moving" of the water represents a localized, specific instance of perceived divine action or a sign thereof.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of κίνησις in [[John 5:3]] is loaded with theological implications, particularly when juxtaposed with Jesus' subsequent actions:
* **Human Expectation vs. Divine Initiative:** The scene at Bethesda highlights a human-centric expectation of divine intervention, where healing is contingent upon a specific, observable physical phenomenon – the "moving" of the water. People were waiting for a *sign* before they could receive a blessing.
* **Christ's Transcendence of Ritual and Superstition:** Jesus' encounter with the paralytic in [[John 5:5-9]] directly bypasses this entire system of waiting and ritual. He heals the man immediately and sovereignly, by His word alone, demonstrating that His power is not bound by human beliefs, superstitions, or the need for specific physical triggers. This powerfully underscores His authority and the unmediated nature of His grace.
* **The True Source of Healing:** The "moving" of the water, whether a genuine angelic phenomenon or a popular belief, served as a contrast to the true source of healing. While the people looked to the water's agitation, Jesus revealed Himself as the ultimate source of life and healing, independent of any external physical sign or condition.
* **Grace Beyond Works:** The narrative implicitly contrasts a system of "first come, first served" (after the "moving" of the water) with Christ's unconditional grace. The paralytic, unable to be first, receives healing solely through Jesus' compassionate initiative, not through his own effort or adherence to the pool's supposed rules.
### Summary
The Greek word κίνησις (kínēsis, `{{G2796}}`), meaning "a stirring" or "moving," finds its sole New Testament occurrence in [[John 5:3]], describing the anticipated agitation of the water at the pool of Bethesda. This "moving" was the focal point of hope for healing among the sick, representing a perceived moment of divine intervention. The term's singular use is profoundly significant: it establishes the backdrop against which Jesus performs a miraculous healing that entirely bypasses this expected physical "stirring." This narrative powerfully contrasts human reliance on specific physical phenomena or rituals (the "moving" of the water) with the direct, sovereign, and immediate power of Christ to heal. It underscores that true divine power and healing are not contingent upon human expectations, perceived opportune moments, or external signs, but flow from the unmediated authority and compassion of the Son of God. The "moving" of the water serves as a poignant foil, highlighting the superior and unconditional nature of Christ's grace.
TRV