Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "wag" is often associated with gestures of scorn, derision, or mockery. The act of wagging, particularly in the context of wagging the head, is a physical expression of contempt or ridicule. This gesture is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating the disdain or disbelief of onlookers in various narratives.Old Testament References One of the most notable instances of head-wagging occurs in the Psalms, where it is used to describe the mockery faced by the righteous sufferer. In Psalm 22:7, a messianic psalm that Christians traditionally associate with the suffering of Jesus Christ, the psalmist laments, "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads." This verse captures the scorn directed at the psalmist, which is later echoed in the New Testament during the crucifixion of Jesus. Another Old Testament reference is found in 2 Kings 19:21 and its parallel in Isaiah 37:22, where the prophet Isaiah speaks against the Assyrian king Sennacherib. The text describes the daughter of Zion as despising and mocking the Assyrian king, "shaking her head behind you." This imagery conveys the confidence and defiance of Jerusalem in the face of its enemies, assured of God's deliverance. New Testament References In the New Testament, the act of wagging the head is explicitly mentioned during the crucifixion of Jesus. In Matthew 27:39, it is recorded, "And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads." This gesture by the passersby signifies their disbelief and mockery of Jesus' claim to be the Son of God and the King of the Jews. The act of wagging the head here fulfills the prophecy found in Psalm 22, linking the Old Testament anticipation of the Messiah's suffering with its New Testament realization. Cultural and Theological Significance The gesture of wagging the head in biblical times was a powerful non-verbal expression of scorn and derision. It was a public display of contempt, often used to humiliate or belittle someone perceived as defeated or disgraced. In the biblical context, it underscores the theme of righteous suffering and the mockery faced by God's chosen servants. From a theological perspective, the instances of head-wagging in the Bible highlight the rejection and misunderstanding of God's messengers by the world. For Christians, the fulfillment of these gestures in the life of Jesus Christ serves as a poignant reminder of His suffering and the scorn He endured for the sake of humanity's redemption. The mockery He faced, as prophesied in the Psalms, is seen as part of the divine plan for salvation, demonstrating the depth of His sacrifice and the fulfillment of Scripture. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To move one way and the other with quick turns; to shake to and fro; to move vibratingly; to cause to vibrate, as a part of the body; as, to wag the head.2. (v. i.) To move one way and the other; to be shaken to and fro; to vibrate. 3. (v. i.) To be in action or motion; to move; to get along; to progress; to stir. 4. (v. i.) To go; to depart; to pack oft. 5. (n.) The act of wagging; a shake; as, a wag of the head. 6. (n.) A man full of sport and humor; a ludicrous fellow; a humorist; a wit; a joker. Greek 4525. saino -- to wag the tail, hence to greet, flatter, disturb ... to wag the tail, hence to greet, flatter, disturb. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: saino Phonetic Spelling: (sah'-ee-no) Short Definition: I move, disturb ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4525.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5128. nua -- to quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter... shaken (4), shook (1), stagger (3), staggered (1), swing to and fro (1), to and fro (1), tremble (1), trembled (2), unstable (1), vagrant (2), wag (2), wander ... /hebrew/5128.htm - 6k 2179. zinneb -- to cut off or smite the tail 3960. lashan -- to use the tongue, slander Library Theory of Book I. Through-The-Week Activities for Boys' Organized Classes "Two Missing" --"Go Ye. " "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. " "Children of the Heavenly King. " I Will Run in My Affections, to Him who Heals Freely The Duty of Every Day Wesley Likes a Soft Cushion An Hymn of Heavenly Love Was Christ's a Real Death? Thesaurus Wag (7 Occurrences)... vt) To move one way and the other with quick turns; to shake to and fro; to move vibratingly; to cause to vibrate, as a part of the body; as, to wag the head. ... /w/wag.htm - 8k Wage (39 Occurrences) Walk (315 Occurrences) Wagon (3 Occurrences) Waggon (1 Occurrence) Wafted (1 Occurrence) Derision (24 Occurrences) Mincing (1 Occurrence) Clap (11 Occurrences) Scoff (18 Occurrences) Resources Wag: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wag (7 Occurrences)Psalms 22:7 Psalms 64:8 Psalms 109:25 Jeremiah 18:16 Jeremiah 23:31 Lamentations 2:15 Zephaniah 2:15 Subtopics Related Terms |