Lexical Summary daktulos: Finger Original Word: δάκτυλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance finger. Probably from deka; a finger -- finger. see GREEK deka NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a finger NASB Translation finger (6), fingers (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1147: δάκτυλοςδάκτυλος, δακτύλου, ὁ (from Batrach. 45 and Herodotus down), a finger: Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46; Luke 16:24; Mark 7:33; John 8:6 Rec.; Topical Lexicon Canonical OccurrencesThe noun δάκτυλος appears eight times in the Greek New Testament (Matthew 23:4; Mark 7:33; Luke 11:20, 46; Luke 16:24; John 8:6; John 20:25, 27). In every setting the “finger” functions as an instrument of action, authority, or evidence—never as a mere anatomical reference. The contexts gather around three broad themes: (1) human conduct and responsibility, (2) divine agency and revelation, and (3) personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Old Testament Background Long before the Gospels, the “finger of God” already denoted direct, unmistakable divine intervention. Egyptian magicians conceded, “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19) after the third plague. The tablets of the covenant were “inscribed by the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10). Thus, when Jesus speaks of casting out demons “by the finger of God” (Luke 11:20), He invokes a well-established image of Yahweh’s immediate power. Human Responsibility—The Unwilling Finger Matthew 23:4 and its parallel Luke 11:46 expose religious hypocrisy. The scribes and Pharisees “tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” The metaphor rebukes a leadership that erects spiritual obstacles yet withholds even minimal help. Ministry that mirrors Christ must reverse this pattern, bearing the burdens of others (Galatians 6:2) rather than multiplying them. Divine Agency—The Finger of God and the Holy Spirit Luke 11:20 records Jesus’ words: “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Matthew’s parallel (Matthew 12:28) reads “by the Spirit of God,” equating the two expressions. The finger of God therefore signifies the Holy Spirit’s executive power manifest in Christ’s exorcisms. The kingdom is not announced merely in words but authenticated by tangible victory over Satan. Healing Touch—Fingers of Compassion Mark 7:33 recounts Jesus healing a deaf man: “He took him aside privately...and put His fingers into the man’s ears.” The personal, tactile method underscores the Lord’s willingness to come into intimate contact with human infirmity. Physical touch complements the command to “Be opened!” (Mark 7:34), illustrating that God’s power is relational as well as authoritative. Teaching and Conviction—Writing with a Finger John 8:6 presents the only New Testament scene of Jesus writing: “But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.” While the content remains unrecorded, the action evokes the Sinai tablets. The same divine finger that once engraved law now writes in dust before accusers, silently exposing their guilt and leading them to depart “one by one” (John 8:9). Lawgiver and Redeemer are found in the same Person. Faith and Evidence—Thomas and the Risen Wounds Resurrection appearances climax in John 20:25-27. Thomas demands empirical proof: “Unless I...put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.” Eight days later Jesus invites him, “Put your finger here...Stop doubting and believe.” The risen Lord accommodates honest doubt, offering corporeal evidence that transforms skepticism into the loftiest confession: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The episode affirms the bodily resurrection while blessing those who believe without seeing (John 20:29). Eternal Consequences—A Finger Denied In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:24) the tormented rich man pleads, “Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue.” A single drop would bring relief, yet it is refused. The imagery starkly contrasts earthly luxury with eternal deprivation and warns that mercy spurned in life cannot be requisitioned in the hereafter. Summary of Theological Motifs 1. Accountability: A finger not lifted (Matthew 23:4) indicts loveless religion. Practical Implications for Ministry • Burden-bearing: Authentic servants assist struggling believers rather than enlarging their load. The eight New Testament uses of δάκτυλος converge to showcase a Savior whose fingers heal, write, and still bear nail scars—the same fingers that once fashioned tablets of stone and will one day execute final judgment. Forms and Transliterations δάκτυλοι δάκτυλοί δακτύλοις δακτυλον δάκτυλον δάκτυλόν δάκτυλος δάκτυλός δακτυλου δακτύλου δακτυλους δακτύλους δακτυλω δακτύλω δακτύλῳ δακτυλων δακτύλων daktulo daktulō daktulon daktulōn daktulou daktulous daktylo daktylō daktýloi daktýlōi daktylon daktylōn daktýlon daktýlōn dáktylón daktylou daktýlou daktylous daktýlousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 23:4 N-DMSGRK: δὲ τῷ δακτύλῳ αὐτῶν οὐ NAS: to move them with [so much as] a finger. KJV: them with one of their fingers. INT: however with finger of them not Mark 7:33 N-AMP Luke 11:20 N-DMS Luke 11:46 N-GMP Luke 16:24 N-GMS John 8:6 N-DMS John 20:25 N-AMS John 20:27 N-AMS Strong's Greek 1147 |
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