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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words allows us to uncover deeper meanings within the text. The word νεύω (neuō) appears in John 13:24, where Peter makes a subtle gesture to John to inquire about who would betray Jesus. This word is significant not only for its role in New Testament narrative dynamics but also for its relevance in understanding how ancient Greek culture used non-verbal communication. Gestures held significant weight in both daily life and literature, reflecting how human interaction extended beyond spoken words.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: νεύω (neuō), pronounced NEH-oo-oh.

Etymology: The root of νεύω comes from the Greek verb meaning “to nod” or “to make a sign with the head.” The word is primarily associated with non-verbal communication, conveying agreement, understanding, or directing attention through a gesture.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, νεύω conveys the action of nodding or signaling, making it an important word for describing communication that occurs without words.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Nod: In its most basic sense, νεύω refers to the physical action of nodding the head, often used to signify agreement or understanding without words.

2. To Make a Sign: In a broader sense, νεύω can indicate any kind of non-verbal gesture made to convey a message, such as Peter nodding to John to ask Jesus who would betray Him.

3. To Signal with Intent: The word is also used to indicate purposeful gestures, often with the intent of conveying direction or instruction, which is particularly relevant in narrative contexts like John 13:24.

Exploring Similar Words

1. σημαίνω (sēmainō) [pronunciation: say-MAI-noh]: This word means “to signal” or “to give a sign.” While similar in meaning to νεύω, σημαίνω tends to emphasize the act of making a clear, deliberate sign or indication rather than the subtle gesture that νεύω implies.

2. νεύμα (neuma) [pronunciation: NEV-mah]: A noun form meaning “a nod” or “a gesture,” νεύμα is directly related to νεύω and describes the physical gesture itself rather than the act of making it.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: νεύω is a regular verb, commonly found in the present, aorist, and perfect tenses. In John 13:24, the verb is in the aorist tense, indicating a single, completed action—Peter’s quick and intentional gesture. It is in the active voice, showing that Peter was the one performing the action, and in the indicative mood, indicating a straightforward statement of fact.

• Person and Number: In the example from John 13:24, the verb is in the third person singular, referring to Peter as the one who made the gesture.

Tense Singular Plural

Present νεύω νεύομεν

Aorist ἔνευσα ἐνεύσαμεν

Perfect νενύκα νενύκαμεν

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicon studies offer several insights into the usage of νεύω. In classical contexts, the term was often used in literature to describe the non-verbal cues exchanged between characters. In the New Testament, particularly in John 13:24, it carries the same connotation of non-verbal communication, showing Peter’s interaction with John. BDAG emphasizes its usage in non-verbal communication, while Thayer’s lexicon highlights its connection to gesturing or signaling in a deliberate way. The word also appears in works of classical Greek literature, showing that non-verbal gestures were culturally significant long before the New Testament era.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. John 13:24 – “So Simon Peter gestured [νεύω] to this disciple to ask Jesus who it was he meant.”

2. Acts 24:10 – “When the governor motioned [νεύω] for him to speak, Paul replied…” Here, νεύω is used to describe a motion made by a figure of authority to grant permission for Paul to speak.

Analyzing Classical Usage

The use of νεύω appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, often in similar contexts where communication occurs without words:

Author Name of Work Text with νεύω

Homer Iliad “He nodded [νεύω] in agreement.”

Herodotus Histories “The king gestured [νεύω] for the council to proceed.”

Plato Republic “He nodded [νεύω], understanding the argument presented.”

Noteworthy Summary

νεύω, a Greek verb meaning “to nod” or “to gesture,” holds significance both in the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In John 13:24, it is used to describe Peter’s gesture to John, conveying non-verbal communication at a crucial moment in the Last Supper narrative. Its usage highlights the importance of gestures in both ancient culture and scripture, offering insight into how communication functioned without words.

Did You Know?

1. νεύω is one of several Greek verbs that describe non-verbal gestures, highlighting the richness of ancient Greek communication.

2. In classical Greek theater, actors would often use exaggerated νεύω gestures to communicate emotions to the audience.

3. The subtle nod described by νεύω in John 13:24 shows how even the smallest gestures can carry significant meaning in scriptural narratives.