In the context of the Bible, the term "motioned" refers to the act of making a gesture or signal, often with the hand or head, to communicate or convey a message without using words. This non-verbal form of communication is seen in several instances throughout the Scriptures, serving various purposes such as directing attention, indicating silence, or facilitating understanding.

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. Upon his arrival, he finds a gathering of believers praying. The Scripture 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 motion 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 passage reads: "Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, said: 'Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen!'" Paul uses a hand gesture 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 text notes: "Alexander motioned with his hand and wanted to make his defense to the people." Alexander's gesture indicates his desire to speak and address the crowd amidst the chaos.

4. Acts 21:40 · After Paul is arrested in Jerusalem, he is given permission to address the crowd. The Scripture records: "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's motioning serves to quiet the crowd, allowing him to speak effectively.

Significance of Motioning:

In biblical narratives, motioning is a practical and effective means of communication, especially in situations where verbal communication might be difficult or when immediate attention is required. It reflects the cultural and situational contexts of the time, where public speaking and addressing crowds were common, and gestures played a crucial role in facilitating communication.

Motioning also underscores the importance of non-verbal cues in human interaction, a timeless aspect of communication that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. In the biblical context, these gestures often accompany significant moments of divine intervention, teaching, or proclamation, highlighting their role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the use of motioning in the Bible can be seen as a reflection of God's provision for effective communication among His people. It demonstrates the adaptability and resourcefulness of biblical figures in conveying God's message, ensuring that His truth is heard and understood. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God equipping His servants with the necessary tools to fulfill their divine missions, whether through words, actions, or gestures.(imp. & p. p.) 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

On the Road to Jerusalem
... party. Aquila seemed not to see this hail, and rode on; but Costobarus,
after the traveler motioned to them once more, spoke: "Does ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

Humdrum
... and then with a gesture expressing at once his sense of his own condescension in
speaking with me, and his utter contempt for the faith I held, motioned to me ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter iii humdrum.htm

Carletta and the Merchant
... see her face"she was very small"John Harvey lured her to the farthest part of the
great room where there were but few gentlemen, and then motioned her to ...
/.../carletta and the merchant.htm

The Collar of Gold
... When the stalwart Hebrew overrode her remonstrances, and motioned her toward a place
at the side of the frame-work where she might rest, the young sculptor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ix the collar of.htm

Peter's Escape from Prison
... were amazed. But he motioned to them with the hand to be silent, and told
them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. And he ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/peters escape from prison.htm

Paul's Narrow Escape from Death
... So when the commander had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned
with his hand to the people, and when there was a great silence, he spoke ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/pauls narrow escape from death.htm

Thus Tightening his Hold Upon Himself, Antony Departed to the ...
... But about midnight he came to himself and arose, and when he saw them all asleep
and his comrade alone watching, he motioned with his head for him to approach ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 8.htm

It was the Fifth Anniversary of that Resolution of the Senate ...
... They were now passing a row of shops on the Via Claudia. The emperor, putting his
hand out of the door, motioned to his lecticarii and they halted. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 9 it was the.htm

Gallus, Apostle of Switzerland.
... The deacon hastened forward to help him; but Gallus motioned him back, saying,
"Leave me; this is appointed for my resting-place throughout my life"here will ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/gallus apostle of switzerland.htm

A Prince's Bride
... The merchant motioned toward a tall ebony case that stood against one of the walls
and showed them that they were to carry it out. Hannah continued: ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter i a princes bride.htm

Motioned (7 Occurrences)
...Motioned (7 Occurrences). ... Acts 12:17 But he motioned with his hand for silence, and
then described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. ...
/m/motioned.htm - 8k

Motion (8 Occurrences)

/m/motion.htm - 11k

Described (16 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 12:17 But he motioned with his hand for silence, and then described
to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. ...
/d/described.htm - 11k

Motioning (3 Occurrences)

/m/motioning.htm - 7k

Addressed (23 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:40 So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his
hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was perfect silence he addressed ...
/a/addressed.htm - 13k

Steps (113 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:40 So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his
hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was perfect silence he addressed ...
/s/steps.htm - 34k

Silence (80 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:17 But he motioned with his hand for silence, and then described
to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. ...
/s/silence.htm - 31k

Added (97 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:17 But he motioned with his hand for silence, and then described
to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. ...
/a/added.htm - 34k

Quiet (167 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:40 So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his
hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was perfect silence he addressed ...
/q/quiet.htm - 37k

Perfect (205 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:40 So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his
hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was perfect silence he addressed ...
/p/perfect.htm - 47k

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