ἐπινεύω

I nod to, assent

Definition

ἐπινεύω means to nod in agreement, to give assent, or to consent. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 18:20, it describes the Ephesian elders giving their permission for Paul to leave them, indicating a formal or official agreement. The word implies a positive response to a request or proposal, often from a position of authority. It carries the sense of granting approval or giving the 'go-ahead' to a course of action.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 18:20. In this context, Paul, while in Ephesus, is asked to stay longer but declines, and the text states the elders 'gave their consent' (ἐπινεύσαντος) for him to depart. The usage is in a narrative of travel and ministry, depicting a respectful interaction where Paul seeks and receives formal leave from local church leadership before continuing his journey.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning 'upon' or 'to,' combined with the verb νεύω (neuō), meaning 'to nod' or 'to make a sign.' Thus, ἐπινεύω literally means 'to nod to' or 'to nod upon,' picturing the physical gesture of nodding the head toward someone as a signal of agreement or permission. The root νεύω is used elsewhere in the New Testament, such as in John 13:24, where Peter 'motioned' to ask a question.

Semantic Range

While not a theologically dense term, ἐπινεύω illustrates the importance of mutual respect, order, and consent within the early Christian community. In Acts 18:20, it shows Paul operating with deference to local church authority, modeling collaborative and respectful leadership. Understanding this specific Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting that Paul's departure was not a rash decision but a mutually agreed-upon conclusion, emphasizing the value of unity and proper process in ministry.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, a nod was a common and significant nonverbal gesture to convey agreement, command, or blessing. A nod from a superior (like a magistrate, elder, or patron) carried formal weight. The use of ἐπινεύω in Acts 18:20 likely reflects this cultural understanding, where the Ephesian elders' consent was not a casual approval but an official acknowledgment that carried social and perhaps legal weight for Paul's travels and ministry legitimacy.

συγκατατίθεμαι (synkatatithemai, G4784) — implies a more deliberate setting of one's mind together with another, a stronger agreement or endorsement. συμφωνέω (symphōneō, G4856) — means to sound together, to be in harmony or to make an agreement, often used for covenants or mutual consent.

Word Details

Scripture References