Significant acts, bodily movements or signals which carry meaning, evoke responses or convey positive or negative feelings. They may or may not be accompanied by words or other communications.
Gestures are part of human communication
They give weight to a contract
Ruth 4:7 See also 2 Samuel 24:22–24 parallel 1 Chronicles 21:23–24; Jeremiah 32:10–12
Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel.
They add force to words
1 Samuel 11:7 See also Joshua 7:25–26; 1 Samuel 15:27–28; 2 Samuel 12:16; Matthew 21:12–13 parallels Mark 11:15–17, Luke 19:45–46, John 2:15–16 Use of gestures illustrates the demonstrative nature of much communication in the cultures of biblical times.
He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out together as one man.
Gestures often convey more than words
Gestures of joy
2 Samuel 6:14 Genesis 21:6; Leviticus 9:24; Acts 3:8
And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,
Gestures of love
1 Samuel 1:5 See also Genesis 37:3; 1 Samuel 2:19; Luke 7:46–47, Luke 10:34, Luke 15:20; John 15:13; Romans 5:8
But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.
Gestures of mercy
Isaiah 6:6–7 See also 1 Samuel 24:10–11; 2 Samuel 9:1, 2 Samuel 9:7; Matthew 18:27 Mercy itself is a gesture of love.
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And with it he touched my mouth and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”
Gestures of worship and reverence
Exodus 3:5 See also Exodus 3:6; Joshua 5:14; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalm 63:4, Psalm 134:2; Matthew 2:11; Luke 5:8; John 11:32; Revelation 1:17
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Gestures of repentance
Job 42:6 See also 1 Kings 21:27; Ezra 10:1; Isaiah 22:12; Joel 2:12; Jonah 3:6–8; Matthew 11:21 parallel Luke 10:13; Matthew 27:3–5
Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.”
Gestures of sorrow and mourning
2 Samuel 3:31 Gestures of sorrow and mourning are very similar to those of repentance and remorse. See also 2 Samuel 19:4; Esther 4:1; Psalm 137:1; Joel 1:13; Amos 5:16
Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.
Gestures of dedication
Acts 22:16 See also Genesis 17:10; Exodus 21:6; 1 Samuel 20:41–42; Nehemiah 10:35–37
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’
Gestures of anger
Luke 15:28 See also Exodus 32:19; Numbers 22:27; 1 Samuel 20:33–34; Matthew 26:65 parallel Mark 14:63; Acts 7:54, Acts 7:57; Revelation 3:16
The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.
Gestures of treachery
Luke 22:47–48 parallels Matthew 26:47–49, Mark 14:43–45 See also 2 Samuel 3:27, 2 Samuel 20:9–10
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
Gestures of contempt
Shaking of the head: Psalm 22:7, Psalm 64:8; Matthew 27:39 parallel Mark 15:29; Matthew 26:67 parallel Mark 14:65; Revelation 3:16
Other examples of gestures
The gesture of washing hands
Matthew 27:24 See also Deuteronomy 21:6–7; Psalm 26:6, Psalm 73:13
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”
The gesture of shaking dust from the feet
Matthew 10:14 parallels Mark 6:11, Luke 9:5 See also Luke 10:11; Acts 13:51
And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
Jesus Christ's gesture of washing the disciples' feet
John 13:4–5, John 13:12–15 This was a gesture of service and a lesson in both serving and being willing to accept service.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.