Lexical Summary dianeuó: To nod, to signal, to make a sign Original Word: διανεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to make a sign, beckonFrom dia and neuo; to nod (or express by signs) across an intervening space -- beckon. see GREEK dia see GREEK neuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and neuó Definition to wink at, nod to, beckon to NASB Translation making signs (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1269: διανεύωδιανεύω; to express one's meaning by a sign, nod to, beckon to, wink at, (διά, because the sign is conceived of as passing through the intervening space to him to whom it is made Winer's De verb. comp. etc. Part v., p. 4): Luke 1:22. (Psalm 34:19 Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence The verb διανεύω appears once in the Greek New Testament, at Luke 1:22. After Zechariah emerges from the sanctuary unable to speak, “they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak” (Luke 1:22). The single use fixes the term within Luke’s infancy narrative, highlighting a dramatic moment that advances both plot and theology. Context in Luke’s Infancy Narrative Zechariah’s muteness functions as both judgment and sign (Luke 1:19-20). By employing διανεύω, Luke underscores the contrast between the priest’s former freedom of speech and his present reliance on gestures. The congregation’s recognition of “a vision” turns what could have been mere confusion into confirmation that God is actively breaking centuries of prophetic silence (Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 1:16-17). Thus διανεύω becomes the pivot by which private angelic revelation turns into public awareness of divine intervention. Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Judaism, the priestly course served in the Temple twice yearly (1 Chronicles 24:10; Luke 1:5). When a priest left the Holy Place, he typically offered the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). Zechariah’s inability to pronounce that benediction would have been startling. Resorting to διανεύω—emphatic nodding or gesturing—was therefore not casual but necessitated by a divinely imposed silence, heightening its interpretive weight for the onlookers. Theological Implications 1. Divine Discipline and Grace: Zechariah’s unbelief led to temporary muteness, yet the same period served to authenticate his later Spirit-filled prophecy (Luke 1:64-79). The gesturing of 1:22 stands midway between chastisement and restoration. Comparative Gestural Communication in Scripture • Genesis 24:13-14 – Servant uses gestures of prayerful discernment. Such examples show that gestures may express faith or folly; διανεύω in Luke 1:22 belongs to a redemptive trajectory. Intertestamental Echoes The Septuagint uses νεύω and its compounds for bodily signaling (e.g., Isaiah 13:2). Luke’s choice of the compound δια- intensifies the action, conveying repeated or earnest signaling, suitable for a priest urgently trying to explain a supernatural encounter. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Accessibility: God’s word is not hindered by physical limitations; ministries to the deaf and speech-impaired echo this truth. Lessons for Contemporary Believers • Believe God’s promises even when fulfillment seems delayed (Luke 1:13-18). Summary Strong’s Greek 1269, διανεύω, though appearing only once, captures a decisive moment when human inability magnifies divine revelation. Zechariah’s silent gestures paved the way for the proclamation that “the Lord has come to His people and redeemed them” (Luke 1:68). In every age, God still speaks—sometimes through words, sometimes through signs, always through His sovereign grace. Forms and Transliterations διανενησμένον διανενησμένου διανενησμένω διανενόημαι διανεύοντες διανευων διανεύων διανιστάμενος διανισταμένους διανοείσθαι διανοείται διανοηθείς διανοουμένους διενοείτο διενοήθη διενοήθην διενοήθησαν διηνθισμέναι dianeuon dianeuōn dianeúon dianeúōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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