Brief Overview of πτέρνα (Strong’s G4418: pterna)

Strong’s G4418: A feminine noun meaning “heel,” both in the literal anatomical sense and metaphorically for treachery (lifting up one’s heel against someone). Used in John 13:18 quoting Psalm 41:9, describing betrayal through the image of lifting one’s heel against another.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτέρνα carries both literal and metaphorical significance in biblical usage. While primarily denoting the anatomical heel, it gained profound metaphorical meaning in ancient Near Eastern culture as a symbol of betrayal and treachery. Its single New Testament appearance in John 13:18 quotes Psalm 41:9, describing Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. The imagery of lifting one’s heel against someone portrayed an intimate friend turning against another, making the betrayal particularly painful. Early church fathers often discussed this term when exploring themes of betrayal, friendship, and divine foreknowledge. Today, it continues to remind us of both human treachery and divine sovereignty in fulfilling prophecy.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτέρνα, pterna, /pter-nah/
• Detailed pronunciation: PTER-nah (with ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: πτέρνα (ancient Greek)
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *pter- (heel, foot)
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic anatomical term with extended metaphorical usage

D – Defining Meanings

• Heel (anatomical)
• Symbol of treachery
• Point of vulnerability (as in Achilles’ heel)

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Heel” – Most literal and common translation
• “Treachery” – When used metaphorically in context of betrayal
• “Footstep” – In contexts referring to following or tracking

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἴχνος (ichnos) /ikh-nos/ – “footprint, track” – See G2487
• πούς (pous) /poos/ – “foot” – See G4228
• βῆμα (bema) /bay-mah/ – “step” – See G968

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun of the first declension, πτέρνα exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: ἡ πτέρνα (the heel)
• Genitive: τῆς πτέρνης (of the heel)
• Dative: τῇ πτέρνῃ (to/for the heel)
• Accusative: τὴν πτέρναν (the heel)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in the biblical quotation and metaphorical meaning. Thayer’s notes its connection to the Hebrew עָקֵב (aqeb) in Psalm 41:9. LSJ documents its literal anatomical usage in medical texts. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical significance in betrayal contexts. Strong’s connects it to treacherous actions. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in medical papyri. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint, particularly in prophetic contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 13:18 “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel [πτέρναν] against me.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament, though it references Psalm 41:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτέρνα powerfully illustrates how God’s sovereignty works even through human betrayal. In Jesus’ quotation of Psalm 41:9, we see both the pain of intimate betrayal and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. This reminds us that even in moments of deepest treachery, God remains in control. The gospel message shines through: what betrayers meant for evil, God used for good, turning even Judas’s treachery into part of His plan for our salvation through Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The metaphor of “lifting the heel” was particularly poignant in ancient culture where showing the sole of one’s foot was a grave insult.
2. Early Christian art sometimes depicted Judas’s betrayal using the heel imagery.
3. The word influenced medieval discussions about predestination and human responsibility.

Strong’s G4418: A feminine noun meaning “heel,” both in the literal anatomical sense and metaphorically for treachery (lifting up one’s heel against someone). Used in John 13:18 quoting Psalm 41:9, describing betrayal through the image of lifting one’s heel against another.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: heel, betrayal, Judas, prophecy fulfillment, treachery, anatomy, friendship, betrayal imagery, Psalm quotation, divine sovereignty, prophetic fulfillment, body parts