κινέω

I move, stir, excite

Definition

The verb κινέω means to set in motion, move, or stir up, covering both physical and metaphorical senses. In its literal sense, it describes physical movement or removal, as in the shaking of heads (Matthew 27:39) or the removal of a mountain (Revelation 6:14). Metaphorically, it refers to stirring up emotions or inciting action, such as stirring up a crowd (Acts 21:30) or troubling the world (Acts 24:5). In a unique theological context, it describes God as the source of all life and motion, as in 'in him we live and move' (Acts 17:28).

Biblical Usage

κινέω appears eight times in the New Testament, used in Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. In the Gospels, it describes the mocking gesture of moving the head (Matthew 27:39, Mark 15:29). In Acts, it depicts inciting a riot (Acts 21:30), causing trouble (Acts 24:5), and the philosophical idea of divine sustenance (Acts 17:28). In Revelation, it is used for the dramatic removal of a lampstand (Revelation 2:5) and the shaking of mountains (Revelation 6:14), emphasizing divine judgment and cosmic upheaval.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *ḱey- meaning 'to set in motion'. It is a primary verb in Greek, forming the basis for nouns like κίνησις (kinēsis, 'movement') and adjectives like κινητικός (kinētikos, 'mobile'). Its meaning remained consistent in classical and Koine Greek, encompassing both literal motion and figurative stirring.

Semantic Range

κινέω is theologically significant in Acts 17:28, where it expresses humanity's complete dependence on God for existence and action, supporting the doctrine of divine providence. In Revelation 2:5, it warns of Christ's authority to 'remove' a church's lampstand, illustrating conditional covenant faithfulness. Understanding its range from physical gesture to cosmic action enriches reading by connecting human emotion, divine sovereignty, and eschatological judgment.

In the cultural context, the 'moving of the head' (Matthew 27:39) was a gesture of derision and mockery in the ancient Mediterranean world, signaling contempt toward someone suffering. The idea of 'stirring up' crowds (Acts 21:30) reflects the volatile nature of public assemblies in Roman cities, where rumors could quickly incite mob violence. The cosmic imagery in Revelation draws on Old Testament prophetic traditions of earth-shaking theophanies.

σείω (seio, G4579) — emphasizes shaking or agitating, often of the earth or foundations; ταράσσω (tarassō, G5015) — focuses on troubling or disturbing mentally/emotionally, like stirring inner turmoil; μεθίστημι (methistēmi, G3179) — means to remove or transfer from one place to another, more about relocation than general motion.

Word Details

Scripture References