In biblical literature, the term "wags" is often associated with gestures of derision or scorn, typically involving the movement of the head or tongue. This action is symbolic of mockery, disbelief, or contempt, and it appears in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating the disdain or ridicule faced by individuals, particularly those who are righteous or suffering unjustly.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable instances of "wags" is found in the Psalms, where it is used to describe the scorn faced by the psalmist. In Psalm 22:7 , a messianic psalm that prophetically speaks of the suffering of Christ, it is written: "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads." This verse captures the image of onlookers expressing their disdain through gestures, a physical manifestation of their mockery.

Similarly, in 2 Kings 19:21 , the term is used in the context of the Assyrian threat against Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah conveys God's message to King Hezekiah, saying, "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.'" Here, the act of wagging the head signifies the confidence and defiance of Jerusalem in the face of its enemies, assured of divine protection.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the act of wagging the head is notably present during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Matthew 27:39 states, "And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads." This gesture by the passersby at the crucifixion site underscores the contempt and disbelief they held towards Jesus, mocking His claim to be the Son of God and Savior.

Symbolic Meaning

The act of wagging the head or tongue in biblical texts is more than a mere physical gesture; it is a powerful symbol of human scorn and rejection. It often highlights the contrast between human judgment and divine truth. Those who wag their heads are depicted as lacking understanding or faith, often standing in opposition to God's chosen or anointed ones.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the instances of "wags" in the Bible serve as a reminder of the suffering and mockery that the righteous may endure in a fallen world. They also point to the ultimate vindication and triumph of God's purposes, as seen in the resurrection of Christ, who was mocked and scorned but ultimately glorified. The faithful are encouraged to endure scorn with patience, trusting in God's justice and deliverance.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, gestures such as wagging the head were common expressions of derision. Understanding these cultural nuances helps modern readers grasp the depth of the scorn faced by biblical figures. The Bible's depiction of such gestures provides insight into the societal attitudes and challenges faced by those who stood for God's truth in hostile environments.

In summary, the concept of "wags" in the Bible is a vivid portrayal of human contempt and the trials faced by the faithful. It serves as a testament to the enduring nature of scorn against righteousness and the ultimate hope of divine vindication.

On Laughter.
... For speech is the fruit of the mind. If, then, wags are to be ejected from our society,
we ourselves must by no manner of means be allowed to stir up laughter. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v on laughter.htm

God's Sovereignty and the Human Will
... First thought, then heart (desire or aversion), and then act. Is it this way, the
dog wags the tail? Or, is it the will, the tail, wags the dog? ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter seven gods sovereignty and.htm

The Lady Miriam
... Hotep shook his head. "Nay, any man may fill my position so he but knows
when to hold his tongue and what to say when he wags it.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vi the lady miriam.htm

To the Augusta Pulcheria.
... the trade of an informer, attacking the country which is his mother country with
its thousands of poor, and, for the sake of his hatred to one, wags his tongue ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/xliii to the augusta pulcheria.htm

Letter Xcii. To the Italians and Gauls.
... The mouths of true believers are dumb, while every blasphemous tongue wags free;
holy things are trodden under foot; the better laity shun the churches as ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xcii to the italians.htm

False Profession.
... While his heart is searched, he wrangles; while the glorious grace of the gospel
is unveiled, this professor wags and is wanton, gathers up some scraps thereof ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
A History of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Volume III. <. ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Wags (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wags (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 19:21 This is the
word that Yahweh has spoken concerning him: "The virgin ...
/w/wags.htm - 6k

Wagons (14 Occurrences)

/w/wagons.htm - 11k

Waheb (1 Occurrence)

/w/waheb.htm - 6k

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