Brief Overview of πυγμή (Strong’s G4435: pugme)

Strong’s G4435: A feminine noun meaning “fist” or “up to the elbow,” used in Mark’s Gospel to describe Jewish ceremonial washing practices. Appears in discussions of ritual purity, specifically referring to the thorough manner in which the Pharisees washed their hands.

U- Unveiling the Word

πυγμή refers to a specific type of hand washing that involved using the fist or washing up to the elbow. In its sole New Testament appearance, it describes the meticulous washing practices of the Pharisees, highlighting their attention to ceremonial cleanliness. The term carries cultural significance in Jewish purification rituals, representing thoroughness in ritual observance. Early church fathers often discussed this term when contrasting external rituals with internal purity. Today, it serves as a reminder of the difference between outward ceremonial observance and true spiritual cleanliness.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πυγμή, pugme, /poog-may/
• Detailed pronunciation: POOG-may (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: Related to πύξ (pux) – “with the fist”
• Possible connection to Latin “pugnus” (fist)
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic meaning relates to the fist or forearm measurement

D – Defining Meanings

• Fist
• Measurement to the elbow
• Thorough washing method

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “With the fist” – Literal translation
• “Thoroughly” – Contextual meaning
• “Up to the elbow” – Interpretive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• νίπτω (nipto) /nip-to/ – “to wash” – See G3538
• καθαρίζω (katharizo) /kath-ar-id-zo/ – “to cleanse” – See G2511
• βαπτίζω (baptizo) /bap-tid-zo/ – “to immerse” – See G907

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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

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

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: ἡ πυγμή (the fist)
• Genitive: τῆς πυγμῆς (of the fist)
• Dative: τῇ πυγμῇ (with/by the fist)
• Accusative: τὴν πυγμήν (the fist)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in ritual washing contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to thoroughness in washing. LSJ documents its use as a measure of length. Vine’s connects it to ceremonial cleansing practices. Strong’s emphasizes the physical meaning of fist. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri regarding washing practices. LEH discusses its appearance in Jewish ritual contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 7:3 “For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands with the fist [πυγμῇ], eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πυγμή reminds us of the contrast between external ritual and internal reality. Jesus used this practice of the Pharisees to teach about true spiritual cleansing. It proclaims the good news that Christ offers inner transformation rather than mere external conformity, showing that true purity comes through faith rather than ritual observance.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was also used as a measure of length in ancient commerce.
2. Jewish traditions specified various methods of hand washing using the fist.
3. The word influenced early Christian discussions about baptismal practices.

Strong’s G4435: A feminine noun meaning “fist” or “up to the elbow,” used in Mark’s Gospel to describe Jewish ceremonial washing practices. Appears in discussions of ritual purity, specifically referring to the thorough manner in which the Pharisees washed their hands.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: ritual washing, ceremonial cleansing, Jewish customs, Pharisees, purity laws, hand washing, traditions, ritual purification, Jewish practices, cleanliness, ceremonial law, physical measurements