Topical Encyclopedia The term "beckoneth" is an archaic form of the verb "beckon," which means to signal or summon someone with a gesture, typically a nod or a wave. In the context of the Bible, beckoning is often used to indicate a non-verbal form of communication, conveying messages or instructions without the use of words. This action is seen in various passages where individuals communicate silently or discreetly.Biblical References: 1. John 13:24 : "Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one he was talking about." In this passage, the act of beckoning is implied as Simon Peter gestures to another disciple to inquire of Jesus. This moment occurs during the Last Supper, highlighting the intimate and urgent nature of the communication among the disciples. 2. Acts 12:17 : "But Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison." Here, Peter uses a gesture to command silence among those gathered, emphasizing the importance of his message and the miraculous nature of his escape from prison. The act of beckoning serves to focus attention and prepare the audience for the testimony of God's deliverance. 3. Acts 13:16 : "Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, he said: 'Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!'" In this instance, Paul uses a gesture to capture the attention of his audience before delivering a significant sermon. The beckoning gesture underscores the authority and urgency of his message, inviting both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles to heed his words. Theological Significance: In the biblical narrative, beckoning serves as a powerful tool for communication, often used in moments of urgency or importance. It reflects the human need to convey messages beyond spoken language, especially in situations where words may be inadequate or inappropriate. The use of gestures in the Bible can also symbolize the authority of the speaker, as seen in the actions of Peter and Paul, who both use gestures to command attention and convey divine truths. From a theological perspective, the act of beckoning can be seen as a metaphor for God's call to humanity. Just as individuals in the Bible use gestures to communicate important messages, God beckons His people to follow Him, listen to His Word, and respond to His call. This divine beckoning is an invitation to enter into a deeper relationship with the Creator, to heed His guidance, and to participate in His redemptive work in the world. Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern culture, non-verbal communication was a common and necessary part of daily life. Gestures were used to convey respect, authority, and intention, often supplementing or replacing spoken words. The biblical use of beckoning reflects this cultural practice, illustrating how gestures were integrated into communication and social interaction. The act of beckoning in the Bible also highlights the communal and relational aspects of biblical narratives. It underscores the importance of community, shared understanding, and the transmission of knowledge and faith through both verbal and non-verbal means. Library Judas. Homily on Habib the Martyr, Composed by Mar Jacob. John xiii. 20 . Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold. The Betrayer Pointed Out. Thursday --The Day of Fellowship. Thesaurus Beckoneth (1 Occurrence)...Beckoneth (1 Occurrence). John 13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoneth to him, and saith unto him, Tell 'us' who it is of whom he speaketh. (ASV). ... /b/beckoneth.htm - 6k Beckoned (8 Occurrences) Beckoning (4 Occurrences) Speaketh (367 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Beckoneth (1 Occurrence)John 13:24 Subtopics Related Terms |