Brief Overview of Δάκτυλος (G1147: Daktylos)

Daktylos (pronounced DAHK-tee-los, δάκτυλος) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1147. The word Daktylos directly translates to “finger.” It is rooted in the basic Greek vocabulary for body parts, specifically referring to the individual digits of the hand. The term is straightforward in its meaning but carries both literal and metaphorical significance, especially in biblical and classical contexts.

Daktylos primarily means “finger.” In ancient Greek and biblical contexts, fingers symbolize precision, skill, and the ability to perform delicate tasks. The term is used in the New Testament to refer to physical actions involving the fingers, as well as in metaphorical expressions, such as the “finger of God,” which symbolizes divine power and intervention. The use of Daktylos in scripture highlights the importance of the fingers both in human activity and in illustrating the direct and powerful actions of God.

Scripture References

1. Luke 11:20: “But if it is by the finger (δάκτυλος, daktylos) of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” This verse metaphorically uses “finger” to illustrate the power and authority of God in casting out demons.
2. Mark 7:33: “And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers (δάκτυλος, daktylos) into his ears, and after spitting, touched his tongue.” In this verse, Jesus uses His fingers as part of a healing miracle, demonstrating His direct, compassionate intervention in human suffering.
3. John 8:6: “This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger (δάκτυλος, daktylos) on the ground.” Here, the act of writing with His finger is significant, indicating Jesus’ thoughtful and deliberate response in a tense situation.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Daktylos is defined as “finger,” emphasizing its literal role as one of the digits on the hand. BDAG also discusses its metaphorical usage, particularly in the context of Luke 11:20, where the “finger of God” is a symbol of divine power. The lexicon highlights the term’s use in New Testament passages that emphasize Jesus’ physical actions, often linked to His healing ministry and miraculous deeds.

Thayer’s Lexicon also defines Daktylos as “finger,” underscoring its use in describing physical actions such as touching, writing, or healing. Thayer’s notes that the term is significant in the New Testament, particularly in passages where the use of fingers represents the hands-on, compassionate ministry of Jesus. The lexicon points out that Daktylos can also be metaphorically linked to divine action, as seen in expressions like “finger of God.”

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon describes Daktylos as “finger,” with a focus on its use in both classical and biblical texts. LSJ emphasizes the term’s relevance in contexts involving precision and skill, such as in craftsmanship or detailed work. The lexicon also notes the symbolic use of fingers in ancient literature, where they often represent fine motor skills or divine intervention.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Daktylos as “finger,” focusing on its literal meaning as part of the human hand. The concordance highlights its symbolic implications in the New Testament, particularly in passages that involve Jesus’ miracles and other divine actions.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Daktylos is commonly used to describe the fingers, often emphasizing their role in precise and skilled tasks.

1. Homer in the “Iliad” uses Daktylos to describe warriors handling weapons with their fingers, emphasizing the precision and skill required in battle.
2. Herodotus mentions the use of fingers in craftsmanship and artistry, illustrating the importance of Daktylos in creating detailed works, such as sculptures or fine embroidery.
3. Plato in his dialogues, such as “The Republic,” discusses the symbolic meanings of fingers, particularly in the context of manual skills and the use of hands in intellectual activities, such as writing or crafting.

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Summary

Daktylos (pronounced DAHK-tee-los, δάκτυλος) is a Greek noun meaning “finger,” used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. The term is significant in the New Testament, where it is associated with physical actions, such as healing and writing, and metaphorical expressions, like the “finger of God,” symbolizing divine power and intervention. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ highlight the importance of Daktylos in both classical and biblical literature, emphasizing its role in representing precision, skill, and divine authority. In classical Greek literature, Daktylos is frequently mentioned in contexts involving craftsmanship, battle, and intellectual activities, reflecting its importance in human and divine actions. The term’s usage underscores the significance of fingers in both practical and symbolic ways, illustrating their role in expressing human ability and divine power.