In biblical literature, the term "wagged" is often associated with gestures of scorn, derision, or mockery. This action is typically performed by moving the head or finger in a dismissive or contemptuous manner. The act of wagging is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, where it is used to convey disdain or disbelief.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable instances of wagging in the Old Testament is found in the Book of Job. Job, a righteous man who suffers immense trials, becomes the subject of ridicule by those around him. In Job 16:4, Job speaks of his friends' lack of compassion, saying, "I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you." Here, the act of shaking the head, akin to wagging, symbolizes the scorn and lack of understanding from his friends.

In the Psalms, wagging is depicted as an expression of contempt by the enemies of the psalmist. Psalm 22:7 states, "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads." This verse is often seen as a prophetic reference to the suffering of Christ, highlighting the mockery He would endure.

New Testament References

The New Testament provides a poignant example of wagging during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, the act of wagging is used to describe the mockery Jesus faced while on the cross. Matthew 27:39 records, "And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads." This gesture by the passersby signifies their disbelief and rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, fulfilling the prophetic imagery found in the Psalms.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the act of wagging in the Bible underscores the theme of human scorn towards divine truth and righteousness. It serves as a reminder of the rejection and suffering that the righteous may endure in a fallen world. The mockery faced by figures like Job and ultimately by Jesus Christ highlights the contrast between human judgment and divine justice.

Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, gestures such as wagging the head were powerful non-verbal expressions of emotion and social commentary. Such actions were understood as public displays of contempt, often used to shame or belittle individuals who were perceived as defeated or disgraced.

Conclusion

The biblical use of "wagged" serves as a vivid illustration of the mockery and rejection faced by those who stand for righteousness. It is a reminder of the scorn that Jesus Christ endured on behalf of humanity, fulfilling the prophecies and demonstrating His steadfast love and sacrifice.(imp. & p. p.) of Wag.

Utterances of the Son.
... And I lay down and slept, and rose again, because the Lord sustained Me." [1846]
And again, when He says, "They spake with their lips, they wagged the head ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xxxviii utterances of the son.htm

The Penitent Thief
... Let us look at Christ hanging on the cross between the two thieves. The Scribes
and Pharisees wagged their heads, and jeered at Him. His disciples had fled. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/vii the penitent thief.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... know the Churches in this country held united prayer- meetings to pray that it might
come to England; but it did not come, and the infidels wagged their heads ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm

For all the Good Performed by Thee,
... 'Twas not enough they should betray. And nail Thee to the Cross to die; They wagged
their heads and passed Thee by,. And mocked Thee on that woful day; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the greek church/for all the good performed.htm

Christ as an Example of Humility.
... All that see Me have derided Me; they have spoken with their lips; they have wagged
their head, [saying] He hoped in God, let Him deliver Him, let Him save Him ...
/.../chapter xvi christ as an example.htm

The Life of Mr. David Calderwood.
... court, but by commission from his majesty; his majesty cannot communicate that power
to you, which he claims not to himself." At which the king wagged his head ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr david 2.htm

They Brought Him to the Hill of Death
... And God beheld the arrows flung. III. They wagged their heads in mocking scorn,.
And bade the Christ come down,". While from His wounds the blood-drops fell,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns from the morningland/they brought him to the.htm

Christ as an Example of Humility.
... All that see me have derided me; they have spoken with their lips; they have wagged
their head, [saying] He hoped in God, let Him deliver Him, let Him save Him ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter xvi christ as an example.htm

"The Lord is Risen"
... This was He who had been nailed to the cross, at whom the priests and rulers, full
of self-satisfaction, had wagged their heads, saying, "He saved others ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 81 the lord is.htm

Nob. Bahurim.
... from Nob. Which when he saw from thence, he wagged his hand, as a man is
wont to do, when he despiseth any thing," &c. And Jarchi ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 44 nob bahurim.htm

Wagged (1 Occurrence)
... (imp. & pp) of Wag. Multi-Version Concordance Wagged (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah
48:27 For was not Israel a derision unto thee? Was he found among thieves? ...
/w/wagged.htm - 6k

Waggest (1 Occurrence)

/w/waggest.htm - 6k

Wages (52 Occurrences)

/w/wages.htm - 28k

Wagged: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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