κατασείω (G2678) — Greek Lexicon

κατασείω

kataseíō

G2678 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To gesture or signal by shaking or nodding, often with emphasis on motion downwards; in specific contexts, to make a motion, typically with the hand, to summon attention or convey silent information. The term implies physical signaling as a means of communication, usually for the purpose of indicating, calling, or directing attention.

Semantic Range

to signal by shaking, to make a downward gesture, to beckon or summon with a motion, to communicate by movement (esp. of the hand), to indicate silently

Root / Etymology

Compound of κατά (down, according to, intensifier) and σείω (to shake, to move back and forth). The prepositional prefix κατά here conveys directionality or intensity to the action of 'shaking.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in Hellenistic Greek and used sparingly in literary sources, κατασείω is most notable in New Testament and related Second Temple literature where it describes a physical, visible sign (often with the hand) to communicate non-verbally, especially to summon or call someone (e.g., Acts 12:17, 13:16, 19:33, 21:40). The action is broader than simply 'beckoning' and may carry a sense of urgency or command. In the Septuagint and other Greek writings, its use is rare, which suggests it had more colloquial or specialized currency in spoken Koine. The standard translation as 'beckon' in English Bibles can underrepresent the intensity or deliberateness of the gesture. Related verbs (such as νεύω, to nod, or σημαίνω, to give a sign) may be less forceful or less specific about downward motion than κατασείω. The word's sense remains consistent across NT contexts, with little evidence of semantic expansion outside non-verbal communication by visible movement, most often of the hand or arm.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and σείω; to sway downward, i.e. make a signal:--beckon.

Root Family

κατασείω (kataseiō) — to shake, to move forcefully, to signal by gesture

Root σει- to shake, to move violently, to signal

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2678-01`	κατασείσας	kataseisas	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	motioning	having signaled downward by shaking	having signaled downward by shaking	3
`G2678-02`	κατέσεισε	kateseise	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	motioned	he signaled with a downward shake	he motioned	1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2678-01`	Acts 12:17	κατασείσας	kataseisas	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	motioning	having signaled downward by shaking	having signaled downward by shaking
`G2678-01`	Acts 13:16	κατασείσας	kataseisas	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	motioning	having signaled downward by shaking	having motioned
`G2678-01`	Acts 19:33	κατασείσας	kataseisas	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	beckoned	having signaled downward by shaking	having signaled downward by shaking
`G2678-02`	Acts 21:40	κατέσεισε	kateseise	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	motioned	he signaled with a downward shake	he motioned

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