Lexical Summary daktulios: Ring Original Word: δακτύλιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ring. From daktulos; a finger-ring -- ring. see GREEK daktulos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom daktulos Definition a ring NASB Translation ring (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1146: δακτύλιοςδακτύλιος, δακτυλίου, ὁ (from δάκτυλος, because decorating the fingers), a ring: Luke 15:22. (From Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Symbol of Familial Restoration The solitary New Testament occurrence of Strong’s 1146 appears in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son: “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet’ ” (Luke 15:22). Within the account the ring is more than ornament; it is the decisive sign that the repentant son is fully reinstated as a member of the household with all attendant rights. Just as the robe covers shame, the ring restores honor and authority. The father does not postpone this gesture until the son has proved himself; he gives it “quick,” underscoring the immediacy of divine grace toward a sinner who returns. Token of Legal Authority In the ancient Near East, rings—especially signet rings—served as portable seals that authenticated documents or decrees. Pharaoh placed “his signet ring” on Joseph (Genesis 41:42), and Xerxes transferred royal authority to both Haman and later Mordecai by the same act (Esther 3:10; Esther 8:2). A father giving such a ring communicates that the son again carries the family’s legal standing. The prodigal therefore steps from destitution to delegated authority in one moment, illustrating how believers are “no longer slaves but sons” and “heirs through God” (Galatians 4:7). Seal of Covenant Relationship Rings function as covenant symbols. Jeremiah likens King Jehoiachin to a signet that the LORD would “tear from His right hand” (Jeremiah 22:24), while Haggai promises that Zerubbabel will be made “like My signet ring” (Haggai 2:23). The prodigal’s ring echoes these texts, portraying restored covenant favor. Similarly, the Spirit “seals” believers for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30), granting inward assurance that parallels the outward emblem placed on the son’s finger. Connection to Old Testament Signet Imagery Although the Greek term in Luke 15 is unique to that verse, the theological thread of signet authority runs throughout the canon: These passages enrich Luke 15:22, showing that the ring marks one who speaks and acts with another’s delegated power—an idea that shapes New Testament teaching on the believer’s representative role (2 Corinthians 5:20). Ministry Applications 1. Restoration of the Fallen: Churches should extend visible, tangible assurances of forgiveness to repentant believers, reflecting the father’s prompt bestowal of the ring. Theological Reflections The ring in Luke 15 crystallizes the gospel: unearned grace, restored authority, and secure sonship converge in a single act. Where the first Adam lost dominion, the Second Adam regains it for His people (Romans 5:17). The image anticipates the eschatological promise that the redeemed will “reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12) and ultimately sit with Christ on His throne (Revelation 3:21). Thus Strong’s 1146, though occurring only once, opens a window onto the sweeping Biblical narrative of forfeited glory regained through the Father’s initiative in the Son and sealed by the Spirit. Forms and Transliterations δακτύλιοι δακτυλίοις δακτυλιον δακτύλιον δακτύλιόν δακτύλιος δακτυλίους δακτυλίω δακτυλίων daktulion daktylion daktýlionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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