Lexical Summary ptussó: To fold, to wrap, to roll up Original Word: πτύσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance close. Probably akin to petannumi (to spread; and thus apparently allied to petomai through the idea of expansion, and to ptuo through that of flattening; compare pateo); to fold, i.e. Furl a scroll -- close. see GREEK petomai see GREEK pateo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to fold, i.e. roll up NASB Translation closed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4428: πτύσσωπτύσσω: 1 aorist participle πτύξας; in classical Greek from Homer down; to fold together, roll up: τό βιβλίον, Luke 4:20 (A. V. closed); see ἀναπτύσσω (and cf. Schlottmann in Riehm under the word Schrift; Strack: in Herzog edition 2 under the word Sehreibkunst, etc. Compare: ἀναπτύσσω.) Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term Strong’s Greek 4428 appears as a participial form in Luke 4:20 to describe Jesus “rolling up” the synagogue scroll after His public reading from Isaiah. The action is simple yet theologically rich: it closes a portion of public worship, punctuates His proclamation, and signals a transition from reading to exposition. Cultural and Historical Context Scrolls were the primary medium for Scripture in first-century Judaism. Synagogue practice required the reader to stand, unroll the designated portion, read aloud, then carefully roll up the scroll before handing it to the attendant for safekeeping. The deliberate folding guarded the text from damage and symbolized reverence for God’s Word. Mishnah guidelines indicate that only trained attendants handled scrolls, underscoring the solemnity attached to this act. Biblical Usage Luke 4:20: “Then He rolled up the scroll, returned it to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him.” The single occurrence highlights several points: 1. Authority: By managing the scroll Himself, Jesus demonstrates mastery over the Scriptures He is about to interpret. Theological Implications 1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The rolled scroll signifies that the written promise has been voiced and is now being fulfilled “today in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). Practical Application for Ministry 1. Reverence in Public Reading: Church gatherings should treat Scripture readings as sacred moments, marked by attentive presentation and orderly closure. Related Themes in Scripture • Ezra’s reading of the Law, standing on a platform and then explaining the sense (Nehemiah 8:5-8). Conclusion Though Strong’s 4428 occurs only once, its contextual weight is substantial. The rolling of the scroll in Luke 4:20 encapsulates the careful custody of God’s written revelation, the authority of Christ over that revelation, and the seamless movement from Scripture read to Scripture fulfilled. Forms and Transliterations πτυξας πτύξας πτυχαί ptuxas ptyxas ptýxasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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