A verb meaning to nod in agreement, give assent, or consent. In the ancient world, a nod of the head was the gesture of authoritative approval — a king's nod granted a request; a general's nod launched a battle. Used once in Acts when Paul declines to linger at Ephesus.
Acts 18:20 — 'When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he did not consent (epeneusen)' — captures Paul's disciplined itineracy. The very brevity of the word is instructive: Paul's 'no' was as decisive as a king's nod. His movements were governed not by crowd enthusiasm but by divine appointment. The theological implication of epineuō is that consent matters. Every 'yes' and every 'no' shapes the course of ministry. Paul's refusal to linger here allowed his return to Antioch and the beginning of the third missionary journey. Sometimes the most significant thing the Spirit does is prevent us from staying — 'the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them' (Acts 16:7).