Lexical Summary kineó: To move, to stir, to set in motion Original Word: κινέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance move away. From kio (poetic for eimi, to go); to stir (transitively), literally or figuratively -- (re-)move(-r), way. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to move NASB Translation move (2), moved (1), provoked (1), remove (1), stirs (1), wagging (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2795: κινέωκινέω, κίνω; future κινήσω; 1 aorist infinitive κινῆσαι; passive, present κινοῦμαι; 1 aorist ἐκινήθην; (from κίω, poetic for ἸΩ, εἰμί, Curtius, § 57; hence) 1. properly, to cause to go, i. e. to move, set in motion (from Homer down); a. properly, in passive (cf. Winers Grammar, 252 (237)) to be moved, move: of that motion which is evidence of life, Acts 17:28 (Genesis 7:21); κινεῖν δακτύλῳ φορτία, to move burdens with a finger, Matthew 23:4; τήν κεφαλήν, to move to and fro (A. V. wag) (expressive of derision), Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29 (the Sept. for רֹאשׁ הֵנִיעַ), Psalm 21:8 b. to move from a place, to remove: τί ἐκ τοῦ τόπου, Revelation 2:5; ἐκ τῶν τόπων, passive, Revelation 6:14. 2. Metaphorically, to move i. e. excite: στάσιν, a riot, disturbance, Acts 24:5 ((see στάσις, 2); ταραχήν, Josephus, b. j. 2, 9, 4); τήν πόλιν, to throw into commotion, passive, Acts 21:30. (Compare: μετακινέω, συγκινέω.) Strong’s Greek 2795 conveys the idea of moving, setting in motion, shaking, or stirring. Whether used of physical objects, people, attitudes, or cosmic realities, the word highlights an action initiated so that something no longer remains static. Scripture consistently employs this verb to underscore the dynamic nature of God’s dealings with creation, His people, and His judgments. Old Testament Echoes and Background Although 2795 appears only in the Greek New Testament, the underlying concept is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Old Testament repeatedly describes the LORD who “shakes the earth” (Isaiah 13:13) and “stirs up the spirit” of leaders (Ezra 1:1, Haggai 1:14). Those passages prepare readers to recognize divine initiative whenever the New Testament writers speak of things being moved. Occurrences and Contexts in the New Testament Eight passages distribute the verb across Gospels, Acts, and Revelation, showing both immediate, visible movement and broader spiritual or cosmic agitation. 1. Matthew 23:4 exposes Pharisaic hypocrisy: they would not “move” even a finger to relieve burdens. Physical Movement and Human Action In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 23:4; 27:39; Mark 15:29) the verb speaks of ordinary bodily gestures. Such uses are not trivial; they expose hearts. The unwillingness to “move” a burden reveals lovelessness, while mocking head-movements at Calvary reveal hostility to the Messiah. Acts 21:30 shows how crowds can be whipped into violent motion against God’s servants. Metaphorical and Spiritual Movement Acts 17:28 provides the widest horizon: all human life and motion depend on the sustaining God. Paul’s quotation of pagan poetry turns a common cultural phrase into a statement of universal accountability: since all motion is derived from God, idolatry is unreasonable. In Acts 24:5 the verb is used by Paul’s accusers to paint him as one who agitates society. Ironically, what they call disruption is in fact the Spirit-empowered spread of the gospel. Ecclesiological Implications (Revelation 2:5) Christ’s promised removal of the lampstand illustrates that the church’s witness is not immovable. Divine discipline can shift or extinguish local testimony. The verb therefore becomes a sober reminder that apparent institutional stability is no guarantee of continued usefulness; only repentance and first-love obedience keep a church in place. Eschatological Significance (Revelation 6:14) The cosmic shaking of mountains and islands anticipates the final Day of the LORD. Every earthly stronghold will be displaced. What humankind considers unshakeable will be set in motion by God’s judgment. The text reaffirms Hebrews 12:27, that “the removal of what can be shaken” prepares the kingdom “that cannot be shaken.” Christological Focus The presence of the verb at Christ’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29) and at His warning to the churches (Revelation 2:5) illustrates a key truth: Jesus is both the suffering Servant scorned and the exalted Lord who moves His churches and the universe itself. The mockers moved their heads, but He will move the cosmos. Pastoral and Practical Application • Leaders must beware of burden-laying legalism (Matthew 23:4). Doctrinal and Devotional Insights The verb 2795 affirms divine sovereignty: God alone initiates and controls every movement, from the smallest gesture to the trembling of creation. At the same time it calls for human responsibility: we either move in loving service or, like the Pharisees, refuse to lift a finger. Ultimately, all motion finds its meaning in Christ, through whom and for whom all things exist. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 2795 presents movement as both a physical reality and a theological motif. Whether describing a contemptuous head-shake, a fanatical mob, a church’s threatened lampstand, or the upheaval of heaven and earth, Scripture depicts a God who moves—and who demands that His people respond in obedient motion toward Him. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 23:4 V-ANAGRK: οὐ θέλουσιν κινῆσαι αὐτά NAS: are unwilling to move them with [so much as] a finger. KJV: not move them INT: not they will move them Matthew 27:39 V-PPA-NMP Mark 15:29 V-PPA-NMP Acts 17:28 V-PIM/P-1P Acts 21:30 V-AIP-3S Acts 24:5 V-PPA-AMS Revelation 2:5 V-FIA-1S Revelation 6:14 V-AIP-3P Strong's Greek 2795 |
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