In biblical literature, the act of nodding is not frequently mentioned, but it carries significant implications when it does appear. Nodding, as a gesture, can convey agreement, acknowledgment, or even derision, depending on the context. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, gestures were an essential part of communication, often conveying meanings that words alone could not express.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 22:7 : "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads." In this verse, the act of shaking or nodding the head is associated with mockery and scorn. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, is expressing the depth of his suffering and the derision he faces from his enemies. This gesture of shaking the head is a non-verbal expression of contempt and disbelief, highlighting the isolation and humiliation experienced by the psalmist. This verse is also seen as a messianic prophecy, pointing to the suffering of Christ, who endured similar mockery during His crucifixion.

2. Isaiah 37:22 : "This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: 'The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.'" Here, the nodding or shaking of the head is a gesture of derision directed towards the Assyrian king Sennacherib. The imagery of the Daughter of Zion shaking her head signifies a confident defiance and a prophetic assurance of God's deliverance. It underscores the futility of Sennacherib's arrogance against the sovereign power of God.

3. Matthew 27:39 : "And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads." In the New Testament, this gesture is again associated with mockery and scorn, this time directed at Jesus during His crucifixion. The act of shaking their heads by the passersby is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 22:7, illustrating the rejection and ridicule that Jesus faced. This moment is pivotal in the Passion narrative, emphasizing the depth of human unbelief and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the life and death of Christ.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In the biblical context, nodding or shaking the head is a powerful non-verbal communication tool. It often signifies disdain, disbelief, or mockery, particularly in moments of suffering or judgment. Theologically, these gestures highlight the rejection of God's messengers and, ultimately, of Christ Himself. They serve as a reminder of the human tendency to scorn what is not understood or accepted, and they underscore the fulfillment of prophecy through the actions and reactions of people in biblical narratives.

The act of nodding, when viewed through the lens of Scripture, invites reflection on the responses of individuals to divine revelation and the messianic mission of Jesus. It challenges believers to consider their own responses to God's word and to the suffering of Christ, urging a posture of reverence and acceptance rather than derision and disbelief.(imp. & p. p.) of Nod.3506. neuo -- to nod or beckon (as a sign)
... beckon. Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to nod or beckon (as a sign)
NASB Word Usage gestured (1), nodded (1). beckon. Apparently ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3506.htm - 6k

The Petition
... "Fail me not in a faithful messenger," the prisoner repeated to the jailer. The
official nodded, and the door was closed again. ... The man smiled and nodded. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxiv the petition.htm

Pious Little Peter.
... On the Monday, being again frequently asked if Jesus was precious, he at times nodded
his head, and at others said, "I hope he is, and that he will be more so ...
/.../wesley/stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/pious little peter.htm

The Red Shoes
... a face. But it was the old soldier with the red beard: he sat and nodded,
and said: "Look, what beautiful dancing-shoes!". Then she ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the red shoes.htm

The Stowaway
... pray. The mate said nothing, but nodded his head, and turned as pale as
a ghost, and shook with trembling like a reed in the wind. ...
/.../shaw/touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/the stowaway.htm

The Conspiracy
... "Alas! this day thou returnest into the Hak-heb," he said. She nodded.
"Would I could take thee with me, but not yet, not yet. Wait ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxi the conspiracy.htm

The Story of a Mother
... "The good God will not take it from me!". And the old man"he was Death"nodded in
such a strange way, that it might just as well mean yes as no. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the story of a mother.htm

The Angel
... "Now we have flowers," said the child. And the angel nodded, but he did not
yet fly upward to heaven. It was night and quite silent. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/wells/bible stories and religious classics/the angel.htm

"In the Uttermost Parts of the Sea"
... And the smith's pretty young daughter stood drawing water from the well, and as
she nodded to the grandmother, the latter beckoned to her, and held up a letter ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/in the uttermost parts of.htm

Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of virgins and ...
... slept. [Rather, "nodded and slept." They did not lie down to regular slumber,
but took such innocent rest as their office permitted. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxv conclusion of our lords.htm

If any one Supposes that this Want of Mutual Harmony Between his ...
... If we could imagine any one putting his armour on all the wrong way, reversing the
helmet so as to cover his face while the plume nodded backward, putting his ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xviii if any one.htm

Nodded (2 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Nod. Multi-Version Concordance Nodded (2 Occurrences). Matthew
25:5 And the bridegroom tarrying, they all nodded and were sleeping, (YLT). ...
/n/nodded.htm - 7k

Noe (6 Occurrences)

/n/noe.htm - 8k

Nodab (1 Occurrence)

/n/nodab.htm - 7k

Sleeping (69 Occurrences)
... went away. (BBE YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 25:5 And the bridegroom tarrying,
they all nodded and were sleeping, (YLT). Matthew 26:40 ...
/s/sleeping.htm - 27k

Nodded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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