In the context of the Bible, "motioning" refers to the use of physical gestures to communicate or convey a message, often when verbal communication is not possible or practical. This form of non-verbal communication is seen in several instances throughout the Scriptures, serving various purposes such as signaling, directing attention, or expressing intent.

Biblical Instances of Motioning

1. Acts 12:17 · In this passage, after Peter's miraculous escape from prison, he goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. When he arrives, he finds a group of believers praying. The text states, "But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison." Here, Peter uses a hand gesture to quiet the group, allowing him to recount the miraculous events without interruption.

2. Acts 13:16 · During Paul's first missionary journey, he visits the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. The Scripture records, "Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, said: 'Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me.'" Paul uses a hand motion to capture the attention of his audience, preparing them to hear his message about Jesus Christ.

3. Acts 19:33 · In Ephesus, during the uproar caused by the silversmiths, a man named Alexander is pushed forward by the Jews to make a defense. The passage notes, "Alexander motioned with his hand and wanted to make his defense to the people." Here, Alexander attempts to use a gesture to gain the crowd's attention and speak on behalf of the Jewish community.

4. Acts 21:40 · After Paul is arrested in Jerusalem, he is given permission to address the crowd. The Scripture states, "Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people with his hand. When there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language." Paul uses a hand gesture to quiet the crowd, creating an opportunity to speak to them in their native tongue.

Significance of Motioning in Biblical Context

Motioning in the Bible often serves as a practical means of communication, especially in situations where verbal communication might be hindered by noise, distance, or the need for immediate attention. It reflects the human need to convey messages and emotions through body language, a universal form of communication that transcends spoken language.

In the biblical narrative, motioning is frequently associated with moments of significant revelation or instruction. It underscores the importance of the message being delivered and the need for the audience to pay close attention. The use of gestures by key figures such as Peter and Paul highlights their roles as leaders and communicators of the Gospel, emphasizing the urgency and importance of their messages.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures, gestures were an integral part of communication. Public speakers, teachers, and leaders often used hand motions to emphasize points, direct attention, or signal transitions in their discourse. This cultural practice is reflected in the biblical accounts, where motioning is used effectively to manage crowds and facilitate communication.

The use of motioning in the Bible also illustrates the adaptability of God's messengers in using available means to convey His truth. Whether through speech, writing, or gestures, the message of the Gospel was communicated effectively to diverse audiences, ensuring that the Word of God reached all who were willing to listen.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Motion.2678. kataseio -- to shake
... beckon for silence. Word Origin from kata and seio Definition to shake NASB
Word Usage motioned (2), motioning (2). beckon. From kata ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2678.htm - 6k

Chapter twelve
... beside her and praying for her. "Stop!" cried Virginia, motioning to the
driver who was looking around. The carriage stopped, and in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twelve.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Foreign Lands
... of the synagogue service sent word to them, "Brothers, if you have any word of
encouragement for the people, say it." So Paul stood up and motioning with his ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul and barnabas in foreign.htm

Little Jennie's Sickness and Death
... were in heaven. She never spoke after that, but would try to make us understand
by motioning when she wanted anything. Sometimes it ...
/.../little jennies sickness and death.htm

The Spread Net
... It was the groan of the City of Delight in mortal anguish. "This," he said in a
soft voice touching his breast, "or that," motioning toward the dying city. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvi the spread net.htm

The Shepherd of Pella
... Old Momus, sensibly accepting the boy's suggestion as the wisest course, raised
Laodice and motioning the shepherd to lead on, led his young mistress up the ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter iii the shepherd of.htm

The Conspiracy
... him!". Har-hat sprang forward as the king lifted an amazed and angry face.
"Back!" she cried, motioning at him with her full arm. "It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxi the conspiracy.htm

The Hardness of the Way.
... possess. In this way is the loss of the things he thought he had, a motioning,
hardly towards, yet in favour of deliverance. It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the hardness of the way.htm

Motioning (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Motion. Multi-Version Concordance
Motioning (3 Occurrences). Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning ...
/m/motioning.htm - 7k

Silence (80 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 13:16 So Paul rose, and motioning with his hand for silence, said,
"Israelites, and you others who fear God, pay attention to me. (WEY). ...
/s/silence.htm - 31k

Motioned (7 Occurrences)

/m/motioned.htm - 8k

Israelites (468 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Acts 13:16 So Paul rose, and motioning with his hand for silence,
said, "Israelites, and you others who fear God, pay attention to me. ...
/i/israelites.htm - 35k

Motionless (1 Occurrence)

/m/motionless.htm - 6k

Prepared (246 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:33 Then some of the people crowded round Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed
forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand to get silence, was ...
/p/prepared.htm - 37k

Pushed (28 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:33 Then some of the people crowded round Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed
forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand to get silence, was ...
/p/pushed.htm - 15k

Crowded (10 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 19:33 Then some of the people crowded round Alexander, whom the Jews
had pushed forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand to get silence, was ...
/c/crowded.htm - 9k

Attention (236 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Acts 13:16 So Paul rose, and motioning with his hand for silence, said,
"Israelites, and you others who fear God, pay attention to me. (WEY). ...
/a/attention.htm - 36k

Pay (212 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 13:16 So Paul rose, and motioning with his hand for silence, said,
"Israelites, and you others who fear God, pay attention to me. (WEY). ...
/p/pay.htm - 37k

Motioning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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