Brief Overview of πτερύγιον (Strong’s G4419: pterugion)

Strong’s G4419: A diminutive noun meaning “little wing” or “extremity,” derived from πτέρυξ (wing). In the New Testament, refers specifically to the highest point or pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem. Appears in the narrative of Jesus’s temptation by Satan.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτερύγιον, literally meaning “little wing,” came to designate architectural extremities or peaks, particularly the highest point of the Temple in Jerusalem. Its appearance in the temptation narrative carries profound theological significance, as Satan challenges Jesus to throw Himself from this prominent location. The height and visibility of this location would have made it a dramatic setting for a public demonstration of divine protection. Early church fathers often used this term when discussing Christ’s resistance to temptation and the proper understanding of divine protection. Today, it serves as a reminder of both the reality of spiritual testing and the importance of properly understanding and applying Scripture.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτερύγιον, pterugion, /pte-roo-gee-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: pte-ROO-gee-on (with ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)

Etymology:

• Root: πτέρυξ (pterux) – “wing”
• Suffix: -ιον (-ion) – diminutive ending
• Derived from πτερόν (pteron) – “feather, wing”
• Diminutive form suggesting a wing-like projection or extremity

D – Defining Meanings

• Pinnacle or highest point
• Wing-like projection
• Architectural extremity

For compound words: Not a compound word, but a diminutive form of πτέρυξ

Translation Options:

• “Pinnacle” – Traditional translation emphasizing height
• “Wing” – More literal but potentially misleading
• “Highest point” – Clearest modern equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πτέρυξ (pterux) /pter-ooks/ – “wing” – See G4420
• ἀκρωτήριον (akrōterion) /ak-ro-tay-ree-on/ – “extremity” – See G201
• στέγη (stege) /steg-ay/ – “roof” – See G4721

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a neuter noun of the second declension, πτερύγιον exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: τὸ πτερύγιον (the pinnacle)
• Genitive: τοῦ πτερυγίου (of the pinnacle)
• Dative: τῷ πτερυγίῳ (to/at the pinnacle)
• Accusative: τὸ πτερύγιον (the pinnacle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its architectural usage in the Temple context. Thayer’s notes its development from literal wing to architectural feature. LSJ documents its broad range of uses in classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to the Temple’s highest point. Strong’s emphasizes its diminutive nature. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from architectural descriptions. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for architectural features.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 4:5 “Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle [πτερύγιον] of the temple.”

Additional References:
Luke 4:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτερύγιον reminds us of Christ’s victory over temptation at the Temple’s highest point. This architectural term becomes a powerful symbol of spiritual testing and triumph. It proclaims the good news that Jesus, faced with the same temptations we encounter, remained faithful to God’s word and purpose. His resistance to spectacular displays of power shows us true faith and teaches us to trust God’s protection without putting Him to the test.

D – Did You Know?

1. The Temple’s πτερύγιον likely overlooked the Kidron Valley, making it a dizzying height.
2. Jewish tradition held that the Messiah would appear at this location.
3. The word influenced architectural terminology in early Christian church design.

Strong’s G4419: A diminutive noun meaning “little wing” or “extremity,” derived from πτέρυξ (wing). In the New Testament, refers specifically to the highest point or pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem. Appears in the narrative of Jesus’s temptation by Satan.

Part of speech: Noun (neuter)

Tags: temple architecture, pinnacle, temptation narrative, Jerusalem temple, architectural terms, Satan’s temptation, high places, wing, extremity, temple structure, biblical architecture, messianic prophecy