νεύω

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek verb neúō, represented by G3506, refers to the act of signaling with a nod or gesture. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Based on the primary meaning to "nod", it is used more broadly by analogy to mean signaling or to beckon.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G3506 is used to depict specific non-verbal commands or requests. In a moment of tension during the Last Supper, Simon G4613 Peter G4074 beckoned to another disciple, signaling him to ask G4441 Jesus a critical question without speaking aloud John 13:24. The word is also used in a formal, legal context, where the Roman governor G2232 had beckoned unto Paul G3972, granting him permission to speak G3004 and present his defense Acts 24:10.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the action of beckoning:

• G2232 hēgemṓn (a leader, i.e. chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province:--governor, prince, ruler): This term for a governor or ruler denotes the kind of authority figure who would use a non-verbal signal like beckoning to direct proceedings, as seen in Paul's trial Acts 24:10.
• G4441 pynthánomai (to question, i.e. ascertain by inquiry): This verb for asking or inquiring is directly linked to neúō. Peter's beckoning is a non-verbal prompt for another to ask a question and ascertain information John 13:24.
• G3004 légō (to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words...); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid... speak, tell, utter): This word for speaking is often the result of the action of beckoning. The governor's signal gives Paul the cue to speak Acts 24:10, and Peter's gesture is a request for another disciple to speak to Jesus John 13:24.

Theological Significance

The significance of G3506 lies in its function within the narrative.

• Signal of Authority: The act of beckoning can be a display of authority. When the governor G2232 signals to Paul, it is a formal, non-verbal command that controls the flow of a legal proceeding and grants permission to speak Acts 24:10.
• Discreet Communication: In situations where speaking is not ideal, neúō serves as a vital tool for discreet communication. Peter's signal to the other disciple avoids drawing wider attention during a tense moment, highlighting a layer of private interaction among the disciples John 13:24.
• Catalyst for Action: In both scriptural instances, to beckon is to initiate a critical action. The signal prompts Paul's defense on one hand and a pivotal question to Jesus on the other, showing how a simple gesture can move the narrative forward.

Summary

In summary, G3506 is more than a simple nod; it is a purposeful, non-verbal signal that carries significant weight in its context. Whether used by a governor G2232 to grant permission Acts 24:10 or by a disciple to make a discreet request John 13:24, neúō functions as a catalyst for action. It illustrates how concise, non-verbal communication can be pivotal in driving forward key moments in the biblical narrative.