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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek words in the Bible helps to unlock the depth and meaning of the scriptures, revealing more profound theological insights and historical context. The Greek word κινέω (kineō), meaning “to move” or “to stir,” appears in various New Testament passages to describe both physical motion and metaphorical agitation. In Matthew 23:4, this verb is used to portray how the Pharisees “move” heavy burdens onto others without lifting a finger to help. This word reflects the everyday language of ancient Greek culture while also holding theological significance within the New Testament, emphasizing actions, influence, and sometimes the stirring of emotions or circumstances.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κινέω, transliterated as kineō [kee-NEH-oh].

Etymology: The word κινέω comes from the root verb κινέω, which means “to set in motion,” “to move,” or “to stir.” It is related to the noun κίνησις (kinesis), which means “movement” or “motion,” and is the origin of the English word “kinetic.”

Part of Speech: κινέω is a verb in Greek. It appears in various tenses, voices, and moods, depending on the context in which it is used. As a verb, it undergoes conjugation to indicate different grammatical aspects, such as time, voice (active, passive, middle), and mood (indicative, imperative, subjunctive, etc.).

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Defining Meanings

The primary meaning of κινέω is “to move.” This could refer to moving an object or causing something to move from one place to another.

Another meaning involves “to stir” or “to shake.” This meaning is more metaphorical and can describe emotional or spiritual agitation, like being “stirred” to action or disturbed by events.

κινέω also carries the connotation of “to influence” or “to prompt.” This meaning emphasizes the idea of causing someone to act or react, stirring them in a particular direction or emotion.

Exploring Similar Words

The Greek word σαλεύω (saleuō) [sa-LEH-oo], meaning “to shake” or “to disturb,” is similar to κινέω but often carries a more intense or violent connotation, emphasizing turbulence or severe agitation.

Another related word is σπεύδω (speudō) [SPEY-do], which means “to hasten” or “to hurry.” While κινέω focuses on movement or stirring, σπεύδω emphasizes the urgency or speed of the movement.

The term ταράσσω (tarassō) [ta-RAS-so], which means “to trouble” or “to agitate,” also has a similar nuance to κινέω, especially in the context of emotional or spiritual disturbance.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: κινέω is a regular verb in the present active indicative form and can appear in various other forms, such as:

Aspect: κινέω involves both imperfective and perfective aspects. The imperfective aspect (present and imperfect tenses) indicates an ongoing action, while the perfective aspect (aorist and perfect tenses) describes a completed action.

For a comprehensive understanding of Greek verb conjugations, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

κινέω is used in the New Testament and classical Greek to depict both literal and metaphorical movement. It serves to highlight instances of both physical displacement and emotional or spiritual stirring. In New Testament contexts, κινέω often illustrates a lack of action, as in Matthew 23:4, where it describes the Pharisees’ failure to “move” a finger to assist others, emphasizing their hypocrisy. Classical Greek uses κινέω to discuss a wide array of movements and influences, from military maneuvers to philosophical discussions about change and motion. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 23:4: “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move [κινέω] them with one of their fingers.”

Acts 17:28: “For in him we live, and move [κινέω], and have our being…”

2 Peter 1:21: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved [κινέω] by the Holy Ghost.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κινέω, meaning “to move,” offers both literal and metaphorical insights into Biblical and classical texts. Its usage ranges from describing physical movement to more abstract notions of spiritual or emotional stirring. Through understanding κινέω, readers can gain a better grasp of the nuanced language of the New Testament and classical Greek works, which often used such terms to communicate deeper philosophical and theological ideas.

Did You Know?

κινέω is the root word for the English term “kinetic,” which relates to movement and motion.

In philosophical contexts, κινέω was used by Greek thinkers like Aristotle to discuss the principles of motion and change.

The New Testament uses κινέω metaphorically to illustrate the inner workings of spiritual influence and divine inspiration.