1146. daktulios
Lexical Summary
daktulios: Ring

Original Word: δακτύλιος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: daktulios
Pronunciation: dak-too'-lee-os
Phonetic Spelling: (dak-too'-lee-os)
KJV: ring
NASB: ring
Word Origin: [from G1147 (δάκτυλος - finger)]

1. a finger-ring

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
ring.

From daktulos; a finger-ring -- ring.

see GREEK daktulos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from daktulos
Definition
a ring
NASB Translation
ring (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1146: δακτύλιος

δακτύλιος, δακτυλίου, (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:
Genesis 41:42 – Joseph elevated to rulership.
1 Kings 21:8 – Jezebel forges letters with Ahab’s seal.
Daniel 6:17 – The king seals the lions’ den stone.
Haggai 2:23 – Messianic anticipation in Zerubbabel.

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.
2. Identity Formation: Teaching on adoption in Christ can draw upon the ring motif to illustrate permanent family status, countering shame-based mindsets.
3. Discipleship and Authority: New believers are entrusted with gospel authority from the outset; they need not earn it through prolonged probation.
4. Worship and Celebration: The father’s festive response (Luke 15:23-24) encourages congregations to rejoice publicly when prodigals return.

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 daktýlion
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Luke 15:22 N-AMS
GRK: καὶ δότε δακτύλιον εἰς τὴν
NAS: it on him, and put a ring on his hand
KJV: and put a ring on his
INT: and give a ring for the

Strong's Greek 1146
1 Occurrence


δακτύλιον — 1 Occ.

1145
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