Introduction

Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies because it opens a window into the cultural, social, and theological contexts in which the New Testament was written. The Greek word κατανεύω (kataneúō) is significant because it captures the subtlety of non-verbal communication in ancient Greek culture and its usage in the New Testament provides deeper insights into the social dynamics of early Christian communities. The term, which conveys the action of nodding in agreement or signaling, has rich connotations that are essential for understanding both literal and metaphorical expressions in scripture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατανεύω (kataneúō) [ka-ta-NEH-oh]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata-), meaning “down,” and νεύω (neúō), meaning “to nod” or “to signal.” The compound form κατανεύω suggests a downward nod or a form of signaling agreement or acknowledgment.
• Part of Speech: Verb; used to describe the action of signaling or nodding in agreement.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To nod in agreement
• To signal or make a gesture
• To beckon or summon by nodding

Similar Words: νεύω (neúō) [NEH-oh] means “to nod” or “to incline,” but it does not carry the same connotation of downward motion or more deliberate signaling as κατανεύω. While νεύω is a more general term for nodding or inclining, κατανεύω specifically conveys a deliberate action, often with a sense of signaling or calling someone.

Further Insights: The verb κατανεύω is typically used in contexts where non-verbal communication is critical. This could range from simple gestures to summon someone to more complex signals of agreement or understanding. Below is a table showing the conjugation of κατανεύω in the present active indicative:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines κατανεύω as “to nod or signal,” especially in contexts where such a gesture serves as a non-verbal cue for agreement or to beckon someone. The lexicon emphasizes its use in both literal and metaphorical senses.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes κατανεύω as “to make a sign by nodding,” often used in contexts where words are unnecessary or inappropriate, highlighting its usage in subtle communication.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Explains κατανεύω as “to nod assent or give a signal,” particularly in the context of ancient communication where gestures played a significant role.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατανεύω is employed in Greek literature to indicate both a physical gesture of nodding and a metaphorical gesture of consent or agreement.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists κατανεύω as “to signal or nod,” drawing attention to its application in passages where non-verbal communication is implied or explicitly mentioned.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 1:22: “When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs [κατενέυων] to them and remained mute.” (Here, κατανεύω is used to describe Zechariah’s attempt to communicate non-verbally after being struck mute.)

Classical Usage

Summary of κατανεύω (G2656: kataneúō)

The Greek verb κατανεύω (kataneúō) is a nuanced word that describes a specific type of non-verbal communication—nodding or signaling in agreement. It goes beyond a simple nod to encompass a deliberate and purposeful gesture, often employed in settings where speech might be inappropriate or unnecessary. Understanding this term provides insights into how ancient Greek culture, including early Christian communities, valued non-verbal communication as much as spoken words. By exploring its usage in both Biblical and classical contexts, one gains a fuller understanding of how subtle gestures carried significant meaning.

Did You Know?

1. In the New Testament, κατανεύω is notably used to convey moments of silent communication, like in the case of Zechariah’s interaction after his vision.
2. In classical Greek literature, κατανεύω was often used in military contexts where commanders would use gestures to direct troops.
3. The root word νεύω (neúō) is the origin of modern terms like “neurosis,” showing how nodding and signaling have evolved into more complex notions of brain function and signaling in medical terminology.