Lexical Summary epineuó: To nod in agreement, to consent, to approve Original Word: ἐπινεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consent. From epi and neuo; to nod at, i.e. (by implication) to assent -- consent. see GREEK epi see GREEK neuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and neuó Definition to nod approval NASB Translation consent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1962: ἐπινεύωἐπινεύω: 1 aorist ἐπένευσα; from Homer down; to nod to; tropically, (by a nod) to express approval, to assent: Acts 18:20, as often in Greek writings. Topical Lexicon Summary of Usage in the New Testament The verb appears a single time, Acts 18:20, describing Paul’s response to an earnest request from the synagogue in Ephesus: “When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he declined” (Acts 18:20). Though brief, the word carries the idea of granting or refusing consent by a gesture—here, Paul gives a courteous but definite refusal. Cultural Background: Nodding as Silent Consent In the Greco-Roman world a nod of the head (positive or negative) functioned as a clear, non-verbal answer. Orators, magistrates, and common citizens all relied on such gestures in public life. Luke’s choice of this verb highlights how naturally first-century audiences read bodily cues. Paul’s listeners would have understood immediately that the apostle’s body language matched his spoken refusal. Theological Implications: Discernment and Divine Directive 1. Submission to Providence. Paul’s refusal is not reluctance to serve but obedience to a larger itinerary directed by the Holy Spirit. The very next verse records his promise, “I will come back to you if God is willing” (Acts 18:21). Historical and Missionary Significance • Second Missionary Journey Transition. The refusal at Ephesus closes Paul’s second journey and opens the path to Antioch, where he reports to the sending church (Acts 18:22). Related Biblical Gestures While this specific word occurs only once, Scripture frequently records communication by gesture: Such parallels remind readers that biblical authors were attentive to non-verbal cues and regarded them as meaningful elements of narrative. Pastoral Application • Saying No Can Honor God. Faithful leaders sometimes refuse worthy invitations to honor higher priorities. Key Cross References Acts 18:18-23; Acts 16:6-10; James 4:13-15; Galatians 1:10; Acts 19:1-10. Forms and Transliterations επενευσεν επένευσεν ἐπένευσεν επενόησε επινεύει epeneusen epéneusenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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