Lexical Summary kataseió: To shake violently, to agitate, to wave Original Word: κατασείω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance beckon. From kata and seio; to sway downward, i.e. Make a signal -- beckon. see GREEK kata see GREEK seio NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and seió Definition to shake NASB Translation motioned (2), motioning (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2678: κατασείωκατασείω: 1 aorist κατεσεισα; 1. to shake down, throw down (cf. κατά, III. 1; (from Thucydides on)). 2. to shake: τήν χεῖρα, to make a sign by shaking (i. e. rapidly waving) the hand (Philo, leg. ad Gaium § 28; τάς χεῖρας, ibid. de Josepho § 36); of one about to speak who signals for silence, Acts 19:33; hence, simply κατασείειν, τίνι, to make a sign, to signal with the hand to one, Xenophon, Cyril 5, 4, 4; Josephus, Antiquities 8, 11, 2; then, with a disregard of the origin of the phrase, the instrumental dative, τῇ χειρί was added, Polybius 1, 78, 3; Josephus, Antiquities 4, 8, 48; so of one about to make an address: Acts 12:17; Acts 13:16; Acts 21:40; Josephus, Antiquities 8, 11, 2. Strong’s Greek 2678 denotes a deliberate downward or emphatic hand-motion used to gain attention, call for silence, or introduce a formal address. The gesture functions as a bridge between speaker and audience, inviting orderly listening so that the spoken word can be received without distraction. Occurrences in Acts 1. Acts 12:17 – Peter, freshly delivered from prison, “motioned with his hand for them to be silent” before recounting the Lord’s deliverance. Patterns of Usage • Always appears in narrative sections describing public gatherings. Historical-Cultural Background Greco-Roman rhetoric employed the raised or downward sweeping hand to claim the floor. Jewish teachers similarly gestured for silence in synagogues. Luke’s readers, familiar with civic assemblies, would recognize the action as a signal of authoritative speech. Thus the narrative detail authenticates the historical setting and accentuates apostolic credibility. Theological Significance 1. Providence and Proclamation—Peter’s gesture follows miraculous rescue; Paul’s follows missionary commissioning. God’s acts are swiftly interpreted by God’s word. Implications for Ministry and Christian Living • Thoughtful preparation: Before speaking, secure the congregation’s attention—whether by posture, pause, or deliberate gesture. Related Scriptural Motifs • Gestures accompanying revelation—Moses’ uplifted rod (Exodus 14:16), Ezekiel’s sign-acts, and Jesus’ lifted eyes (John 17:1) all pair physical action with divine message. Summary Strong’s 2678 portrays a simple yet potent gesture that prepares ground for divine truth. Whether calming believers, summoning seekers, restraining rioters, or confronting adversaries, the downward motion underscores the speaker’s God-given authority and the audience’s responsibility to listen. In every age, those entrusted with the gospel are to use every appropriate means—verbal and nonverbal—to ensure that God’s word is heard “with all reverence and readiness of mind” (compare Acts 17:11). Englishman's Concordance Acts 12:17 V-APA-NMSGRK: κατασείσας δὲ αὐτοῖς NAS: But motioning to them with his hand KJV: But he, beckoning unto them INT: having made a sign moreover to them Acts 13:16 V-APA-NMS Acts 19:33 V-APA-NMS Acts 21:40 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 2678 |
    |