Definition and Context:
In biblical terms, "wagging" often refers to the act of shaking or moving the head in a gesture of scorn, derision, or mockery. This physical expression is typically associated with contempt or disbelief and is mentioned in several scriptural passages to illustrate the disdain or ridicule directed towards an individual.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 19:21 :
"This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.’"
In this passage, wagging the head is a symbolic act of mockery directed towards the Assyrian king Sennacherib. The imagery of the Daughter of Zion shaking her head signifies the scorn and derision that God’s people feel towards their oppressor, confident in the LORD’s deliverance.

2. Job 16:4 :
"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, Job speaks to his friends, expressing his frustration with their lack of understanding and empathy. The act of shaking the head is used to convey the disdain and judgment that Job feels from his friends, highlighting the insensitivity of their counsel.

3. Psalm 22:7 :
"All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads."
This messianic psalm, often associated with the suffering of Christ, uses the imagery of wagging the head to depict the mockery and scorn faced by the psalmist. It prophetically points to the ridicule Jesus would endure during His crucifixion.

4. Matthew 27:39 :
"And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads."
In the New Testament, this passage describes the scene at the crucifixion of Jesus. The act of wagging the head by passersby signifies their contempt and disbelief in Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. It fulfills the prophecy found in Psalm 22, illustrating the depth of humiliation Christ endured.

Theological Significance:
Wagging the head in biblical literature is a powerful symbol of human scorn and rejection. It often accompanies verbal mockery and is directed towards those who are suffering or are perceived as defeated. In the context of Jesus’ crucifixion, it underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and highlights the extent of His humiliation and rejection by humanity. This act of derision serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering endured by the righteous and the ultimate vindication that comes from God.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
In ancient Near Eastern culture, gestures such as wagging the head were common expressions of disdain. Such non-verbal communication was understood universally as a sign of mockery and was often used in public settings to shame or belittle an individual. The biblical use of this gesture reflects the cultural practices of the time and provides insight into the social dynamics of honor and shame prevalent in biblical narratives.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Wag.2795. kineo -- to move
... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to move NASB Word Usage move (2), moved (1),
provoked (1), remove (1), stirs (1), wagging (2). move away. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2795.htm - 6k4493. manod -- a shaking, wagging
... 4492, 4493. manod. 4494 . a shaking, wagging. Transliteration: manod Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-node') Short Definition: laughingstock. ...
/hebrew/4493.htm - 6k

Synoptical Table
... 39 ?? And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,. Mark. 23 And they
gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of peter/synoptical table.htm

The Penitent Thief
... The earth had not opened her mouth. The business of death was going on undisturbed.
The crowd was still there, mocking and hissing and wagging the head. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/vii the penitent thief.htm

Crucified, Dead and Buried
... And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, "And he was numbered with the
transgressors." And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

From the Fond Caresses which the Soul Has Has with God Beneath the ...
... I hung suspended in mortal anguish before them, behold, they stood over against
Me, and, with their voices, called out scoffingly to Me, wagging their heads ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xv from the fond.htm

Introduction
... and nice japing jugglers"; others so lacking in repose that they "can neither sit
still, stand still, nor lie still, unless they be either wagging with their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/introduction.htm

Lions and Panthers Adored Him Likewise, and Accompanied them in ...
... Joseph and the blessed Mary went, they went before them showing them the way, and
bowing their heads; and showing their submission by wagging their tails, they ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 19 lions and panthers.htm

Of Divers Unseemly Practices that Follow them that Lack the Work ...
... Some can neither sit still, stand still, nor lie still, unless they be either
wagging with their feet or else somewhat doing with their hands. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the three and 4.htm

The Death which Gives Life
... And they that passed by railed on Him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, Thou
that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, 30. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the death which gives life.htm

The Crucifixion
... And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads, 40. And saying, Thou that
destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the crucifixion.htm

Christ Crucified
... And with Him they crucify two robbers; one on His right hand, and one on His left.
And they that passed by railed on Him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ha! ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 21-32 christ crucified.htm

Wagging (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wagging (2 Occurrences). Matthew 27:39 Those who passed
by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/w/wagging.htm - 7k

Insults (34 Occurrences)
... fire of Gehenna. (See RSV). Matthew 27:39 Those who passed by blasphemed
him, wagging their heads, (See NIV). Matthew 27:44 Insults ...
/i/insults.htm - 15k

Railed (6 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Rail. Multi-Version Concordance Railed (6 Occurrences). Matthew
27:39 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, (ASV). ...
/r/railed.htm - 8k

Passed (329 Occurrences)
... have taken place. (DBY). Matthew 27:39 Those who passed by blasphemed him,
wagging their heads, (WEB KJV ASV WBS RSV NIV). Mark 2:14 ...
/p/passed.htm - 34k

Blasphemed (28 Occurrences)
... behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy. (DBY NAS). Matthew 27:39 Those
who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, (WEB). ...
/b/blasphemed.htm - 15k

Abuse (17 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Abuse (17 Occurrences). Matthew 27:39 Those who
passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, (See NAS). ...
/a/abuse.htm - 13k

Heads (439 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Matthew 27:39 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their
heads, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Mark ...
/h/heads.htm - 38k

Hurled (33 Occurrences)
... done; (WEY). Matthew 27:39 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their
heads, (See NIV). Mark 15:29 Those who passed by blasphemed ...
/h/hurled.htm - 16k

Hurling (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hurling (5 Occurrences). Matthew 27:39 Those who
passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, (See NAS). ...
/h/hurling.htm - 7k

Wag (7 Occurrences)
... progress; to stir. 4. (vi) To go; to depart; to pack oft. 5. (n.) The
act of wagging; a shake; as, a wag of the head. 6. (n.) A ...
/w/wag.htm - 8k

What does it mean that you are the head and not the tail in Deuteronomy 28:13? | GotQuestions.org

Wagging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus