ἐννεύω (enneuō)
enneuō
to signify
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb enneuō describes the physical act of nodding or making a sign with the head to convey meaning. It appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Luke 1:62, where it captures the moment when Zechariah’s family attempts to communicate with him after he regains his voice. Rather than speaking immediately, they use gestures to ask what kind of name he wishes to give his son.
Its root combines a prefix indicating inwardness or intensity with a word for nodding, emphasizing a deliberate, non-verbal signal. This single usage highlights how communication can persist even when speech is absent, as the characters rely on body language to resolve the naming dispute before Zechariah writes on a tablet.
Translators typically render this action as "sign" or "nod," reflecting its specific physical nature. The word underscores the tangible, immediate context of the scene, where silence creates a need for simple, clear gestures to bridge the gap between expectation and revelation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Luke 1:62, the word enneuō describes a simple nod or sign made with the head. Zechariah had been silent for months, and his family used gestures to ask what name he wanted for his son. This small physical act bridges the gap when words fail us.
Communication is not always about perfect speech. Sometimes we rely on looks, nods, or patience to understand one another. God can use our silence to prepare us for a clearer witness later. Trust that He hears even when you cannot find the right words.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- They were making signs1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνένευον1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:62
They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.
This verse shows the family using head signs to ask Zechariah what name he desired for his son, highlighting non-verbal communication during his silence.