4419. pterugion

Lexicon

pterugion: Pinnacle, wing, edge

Original Word: πτερύγιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: pterugion
Pronunciation: pte-roo'-gee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (pter-oog'-ee-on)
Definition: Pinnacle, wing, edge
Meaning: an extremity, battlement, parapet, apex.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

pinnacle.

Neuter of a presumed derivative of pterux; a winglet, i.e. (figuratively) extremity (top corner) -- pinnacle.

see GREEK pterux

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
dim. of pterux
Definition
a little wing, hence (anything like a wing) a battlement
NASB Translation
pinnacle (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4419: πτερύγιον

πτερύγιον, πτερυγίου, τό (diminutive of πτέρυξ, which see), the Sept. for כָּנָף;

1. a wing, little wing.

2. any pointed extremity (of the fins of fish, סַנְפִּיר, Leviticus 11:9-12; Deuteronomy 14:9, 10; Aristotle, Theophrastus; of a part of the dress hanging down in the form of a wing, Ruth 3:9; 1 Samuel 24:5; (Numbers 15:38); Pollux 7, 14, 62): τό πτερύγιον τοῦ ναοῦ and τοῦ ἱεροῦ, the top of the temple at Jerusalem, Hegesippus (circa ) quoted in Eusebius, h. e. 2, 23, 11; τοῦ ἱεροῦ, Matthew 4:5; Luke 4:9; some understand this of the top or apex of the sanctuary (τοῦ ναοῦ), others of the top of Solomon's porch, and others of the top of the Royal Portico; this last Josephus (Antiquities 15, 11, 5) says was of such great height ὡς εἰ ἀπ' ἄκρου τοῦ ταύτης τέγους ἄμφω συντιθεις τά βάθη διοπτευοι σκοτοδινιαν, οὐκ ἐξικνουμενης τῆς ὄψεως εἰς ἀμέτρητον τόν βυθόν; (cf. Recovery of Jerusalem, especially chapter v.).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Diminutive form of πτέρυξ (pteryx), meaning "wing" or "feather."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for πτερύγιον, related concepts can be found in Hebrew terms for "wing" or "extremity," such as כָּנָף (kanaph, Strong's Hebrew 3671), which can mean "wing," "edge," or "extremity." This term is used in various contexts in the Old Testament, often symbolizing protection or covering, as in the "wings" of God providing refuge (e.g., Psalm 91:4).

Usage: The term πτερύγιον is used in the New Testament to describe a high point or pinnacle, specifically in the context of the temptation of Jesus by Satan.

Context: The Greek term πτερύγιον appears in the New Testament in the context of the temptation of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Matthew 4:5 and Luke 4:9, Satan takes Jesus to the "pinnacle of the temple" (πτερύγιον τοῦ ἱεροῦ) and challenges Him to throw Himself down, suggesting that angels would protect Him. The term "pinnacle" here refers to a high point or extremity of the temple structure in Jerusalem, possibly the southeastern corner overlooking the Kidron Valley, which was known for its significant height and prominence.

The use of πτερύγιον in these passages highlights the physical and symbolic elevation of the location, emphasizing the dramatic nature of the temptation. The temple, being the center of Jewish worship and a symbol of God's presence, adds a layer of spiritual significance to the event. The challenge posed by Satan was not only a test of Jesus' trust in God's protection but also a temptation to misuse His divine power for spectacle and self-validation.

Theologically, this passage underscores Jesus' obedience and reliance on Scripture, as He responds to Satan's challenge by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test." This response reflects Jesus' commitment to His mission and His refusal to deviate from the path of humility and submission to the Father's will.

Forms and Transliterations

πτερύγια πτερυγιον πτερύγιον πτερύγιόν πτερυγίου πτερυγίων pterugion pterygion pterýgion

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 4:5 N-ANS
GRK: ἐπὶ τὸ πτερύγιον τοῦ ἱεροῦ
NAS: and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,
KJV: him on a pinnacle of the temple,
INT: upon the pinnacle of the temple

Luke 4:9 N-ANS
GRK: ἐπὶ τὸ πτερύγιον τοῦ ἱεροῦ
NAS: and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,
KJV: him on a pinnacle of the temple, and
INT: upon the pinnacle of the temple

Strong's Greek 4419
2 Occurrences

πτερύγιον — 2 Occ.