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G2656 · Greek · New Testament
κατανεύω
Kataneuō
Verb
To Signal; To Beckon; To Nod

Definition

To give a signal by nodding or gesturing — used for Peter and John beckoning their fishing partners to come help with the miraculous catch.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Greek kataneuō (from kata, down/toward + neuō, to nod) means to signal by nodding the head or gesturing — a silent communication across a distance. It appears once in the NT: Luke 5:7, where after the miraculous catch of fish, Simon Peter and his partners 'beckoned (kateneuson) to their partners in the other boat to come and help them.' The boats were filling with fish and beginning to sink — a pantomimed cry for help across the water.

The single use of kataneuō in Luke 5 is a vivid detail of eyewitness narrative. The miraculous catch was so overwhelming that the fishermen could not even shout — they gestured. James and John in the other boat saw the signal and came. This silent beckon across the water, in the immediate aftermath of the miraculous catch, captures the moment of transition: Simon Peter fell at Jesus' knees saying 'Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.' Jesus answered: 'Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.' The kataneuō — the signal that summoned partners for earthly fish — becomes the call to summon partners for the kingdom.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 5:7 So they signaled (kateneuson) their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
Luke 5:4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.'
Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, 'Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!'
Luke 5:10 Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.'
Matthew 4:19 Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people.

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