Lexical Summary pterna: Heel Original Word: πτέρνα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance heel. Of uncertain derivation; the heel (figuratively) -- heel. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition the heel NASB Translation heel (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4418: πτέρναπτέρνα, πτέρνης, ἡ, the heel (of the foot): ἐπαίρειν τήν πτέρναν ἐπί τινα, to lift up the heel against one, i. e. dropping the figure (which is borrowed either from kicking, or from a wrestler tripping up his antagonist), to injure one by trickery, John 13:18 after Psalm 40:10 Topical Lexicon Conceptual Overview The term rendered “heel” in English symbolizes the extremity of the foot—an image Scripture employs to depict vulnerability, treachery, and the outworking of divine purposes. The single New Testament occurrence (John 13:18) deliberately echoes Hebrew Bible passages where the heel figures prominently in covenant history and prophetic expectation. Occurrences in Canonical Scripture • John 13:18 – Jesus cites Psalm 41:9 as He anticipates Judas’ betrayal: “He who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.” Although πτέρνα appears only here in the Greek New Testament, the idea of the “heel” is widespread in earlier revelation, providing the interpretive backdrop for John’s Gospel. Old Testament Roots and Prophetic Anticipation Genesis 3:15 introduces the first promise of redemption: the woman’s offspring will crush the serpent’s head while sustaining a wound to the heel. This foundational verse establishes the “heel” as the site of Satan’s assault and the Messiah’s triumph. Psalm 41:9 portrays David’s intimate friend turning against him, a betrayal prefiguring Christ’s experience. The Septuagint employs πτέρνα in this verse, making the linguistic bridge to John 13:18 explicit. Genesis 25:26; Hosea 12:3 recall Jacob grasping Esau’s heel, illustrating struggles over primacy that find ultimate resolution in Christ, the true Israel. Christological Fulfillment in the Gospel of John In John 13, moments after washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9. The contrast is striking: the Lord’s humble service versus the traitor’s lifted heel. By invoking the psalm, Jesus discloses that Judas’ treachery is neither unforeseen nor victorious; it is foreseen within the sovereign plan. The imagery of the heel links Judas not merely to David’s false friend but back to the serpent’s hostility in Eden. At the cross, the serpent strikes the heel, yet the Seed crushes the serpent’s head through resurrection. Theological Implications 1. Divine Sovereignty: The foretold lifting of the heel underscores that human betrayal cannot derail God’s redemptive design. Practical Ministry Applications • Servant Leadership: The foot-washing scene preceding the quotation teaches that kingdom greatness expresses itself in lowliness, even toward those who may later betray us. Early Church Reception and Patristic Insights Irenaeus perceived in Genesis 3:15 and John 13:18 a unified testimony to Christ’s victory. Augustine stressed that Judas “lifted the heel” because he had first allowed Satan to enter his heart, illustrating the progression from inward sin to outward action. These fathers upheld the text as evidence that Scripture speaks with one voice concerning Christ. Related Biblical Motifs Feet—paths of obedience or rebellion (Psalm 119:105). Bruising—temporary affliction that precedes deliverance (Romans 16:20). Supplanting—human schemes versus divine election (Genesis 27:36). Eating bread together—sign of covenant fellowship whose breach intensifies betrayal (Mark 14:18). Summary Strong’s Greek 4418 points beyond anatomy to a theological drama encompassing creation, fall, promise, and fulfillment. The lifted heel in John 13:18 reveals both the tragic depth of Judas’ treachery and the triumphant certainty of Christ’s mission: wounded yet victorious, the Lord crushes evil and secures salvation for His people. Forms and Transliterations επτέρνικε επτερνίσαμέν επτέρνισε πτερά πτέρναι πτέρναις πτερναν πτέρναν πτέρνας πτέρνη πτέρνης πτερνιεί πτερνιζετέ πτερνίζετε πτερνισμόν πτερνισμώ πτεροίς πτεροφυήσουσιν pternan ptérnanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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