Lexical Summary enneuó: To nod, to signal, to make a sign Original Word: ἐννεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make signs. From en and neuo; to nod at, i.e. Beckon or communicate by gesture -- make signs. see GREEK en see GREEK neuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom en and neuó Definition to nod at, i.e. beckon or communicate by gesture NASB Translation made signs (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1770: ἐννεύωἐννεύω: imperfect ἐνένευον; to nod to, signify or express by a nod or sign: τίνι τί, Luke 1:62. (Aristophanes in Babyloniis fragment 58 (i. e. 22 edition Brunck, 16, p. 455 Didot); Lucian, dial. meretr. 12, 1; with ὀφθαλμῷ added, Proverbs 6:13; Proverbs 10:10.) Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Literary Setting Strong’s Greek 1770 appears once in the New Testament, in Luke 1:62. The single usage falls inside the tightly-woven narrative that records the birth and naming of John the Baptist. The surrounding verses (Luke 1:18-22, 57-66) trace Zechariah’s divinely imposed silence, the marvel of Elizabeth’s late-life pregnancy, and the communal debate about the child’s name. Narrative Significance within Luke’s Infancy Account 1. Confirmation of Angelic Discipline: The community’s resort to gestures underscores that Zechariah truly remains mute, exactly as Gabriel foretold in Luke 1:20. Scripture’s accuracy is validated in real time. Cultural Background of Non-Verbal Communication Gestures were a normal feature of first-century Jewish life, serving both etiquette and necessity. In synagogue worship (Nehemiah 8:6) and prophetic symbolism (Ezekiel 24:27), bodily motions conveyed meaning. When illness or divine judgment impaired speech, gestures supplied a linguistic bridge (Job 29:10). In Luke 1, the village neighbors instinctively employ this cultural tool, revealing realism in the Gospel account. Theological Themes • Divine Sovereignty over Speech: The Lord not only gives language (Exodus 4:11) but may withhold it to accomplish redemptive purposes. Ministry and Pastoral Application • Accommodating the Silent: Churches can imitate the neighbors’ instinctive inclusion by providing visual aids, written summaries, and sign interpretation for those unable to speak or hear. Questions for Further Study and Reflection 1. How does Luke contrast Zechariah’s enforced silence with Mary’s spontaneous praise (Luke 1:46-55)? Summary The lone New Testament appearance of Strong’s Greek 1770 in Luke 1:62, though brief, enriches the infancy narrative by authenticating prophecy, highlighting obedience, and illustrating divine sovereignty over human communication. Gestures become a channel for God’s purposes, reminding today’s Church to value every mode of expression that exalts His revealed word. Forms and Transliterations ενενευον ενένευον ἐνένευον εννεύει εννεύων εννοήθητι εννοηθώσι eneneuon enéneuonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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