Lexical Summary pterugion: Pinnacle, wing, edge Original Word: πτερύγιον 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 Origindim. of pterux Definition a little wing, hence (anything like a wing) a battlement NASB Translation pinnacle (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4419: πτερύγιονπτερύγιον, 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 The word translated “pinnacle” refers to a projecting ledge or small wing-like platform extending from a higher structure. In the Gospel narratives it evokes both height and exposure, a place where falling would mean certain death. The image calls to mind not only architecture but also the metaphorical “wings” of refuge and protection found throughout Scripture (for example, Psalm 17:8; Psalm 91:4), thereby enriching the scene in which it appears. Occurrences in Scripture Matthew 4:5 and Luke 4:9 record the only New Testament uses of the term. In both passages Satan transports Jesus to “the pinnacle of the temple” and challenges Him to prove His divine Sonship by leaping down. The temptation hinges on a misquotation and misapplication of Psalm 91:11-12, an Old Testament promise of angelic protection. Historical and Architectural Background First-century Jewish and Roman sources describe towering porticoes along the southern and eastern edges of the Temple Mount. Josephus speaks of dizzying heights that caused onlookers to “grow dizzy when they looked down” (Antiquities 15.412). The southeastern corner, overlooking the Kidron Valley some 150-180 feet below, best fits the drama implied in the Gospels. From this vantage point priests announced the arrival of the new moon and trumpeted festival calls (compare Numbers 10:10), making it a public, highly visible location for a spectacular act should anyone attempt it. Theological Significance 1. Testing versus Trusting. Satan’s proposal was not merely a dare; it was an attempt to entice Jesus to test the Father’s faithfulness in contradiction to Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall not test the LORD your God.” Trust delights in God’s promises while refusing to manipulate them. Christological Implications • True Sonship. By declining the shortcut to glory, Jesus proved Himself the obedient Son whose trust in the Father required no sensational validation (Matthew 3:17; John 5:19). Practical Application for Believers 1. Avoid Presumption. Believers must distinguish between faith and folly. Claiming promises while neglecting prudence equates to testing God rather than trusting Him. Related Scripture Psalm 91:11-12 – “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Deuteronomy 6:16 – “Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah.” Hebrews 1:14 – “Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” 1 Peter 5:8-9 – Vigilance and resistance in spiritual conflict. 2 Corinthians 11:3 – The danger of minds led astray from simple devotion to Christ. Summary The “pinnacle of the temple” stands as a dramatic backdrop for a decisive victory in the wilderness temptations. By refusing to force the Father’s hand, Jesus exemplifies perfect obedience, proper use of Scripture, and unwavering trust. His triumph assures believers that they, too, may stand firm where He has already overcome, relying on the full counsel of God’s word rather than sensational proofs of divine favor. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 4:5 N-ANSGRK: 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 |
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