Brief Overview of πήγνυμι (Strong’s G4078: pēgnymi)

Strong’s G4078: A verb meaning “to fix,” “to fasten,” or “to pitch (a tent).” In biblical usage, appears uniquely in Hebrews 8:2 referring to the true tabernacle that the Lord erected, emphasizing divine rather than human construction of the heavenly sanctuary.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πήγνυμι (pēgnymi) carries the fundamental meaning of fixing or fastening firmly in place. In its New Testament context, it specifically describes God’s establishment of the true heavenly tabernacle, contrasting human and divine construction. The word emphasizes permanence and divine authority in establishing sacred space. Early church writers expanded this concept to discuss the eternal nature of God’s dwelling place versus temporary earthly structures. Today, it reminds us that true worship occurs in the eternal sanctuary established by God Himself.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πήγνυμι, pēgnymi, payg’-noo-mee
• Detailed pronunciation: payg (as in “page”) + noo (as in “new”) + mee (as in “me”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:
From Proto-Indo-European *pag- meaning “to fasten”

D – Defining Meanings

• To fix firmly
• To fasten
• To establish
• To pitch (a tent)
• To construct permanently

Translation Options:

1. Establish – emphasizes permanence
2. Pitch – specific to tent contexts
3. Erect – combines construction and establishment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἵστημι (histēmi) [his’-tay-mee] – to set up, more general
• θεμελιόω (themelioō) [them-el-ee-o’-o] – to lay a foundation
• οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō) [oy-kod-om-eh’-o] – to build

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:
Present: πήγνυμι (I fix)
Aorist: ἔπηξα (I fixed)
Perfect: πέπηγα (I have fixed)

Cross-references:

• Noun: πῆξις (fixing)
• Adjective: πηκτός (fixed)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique usage in Hebrews. Thayer’s notes its connection to tent construction. LSJ documents various technical applications. Vine’s connects it to divine establishment. Strong’s highlights its permanence aspect. Moulton and Milligan note its use in construction contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“A minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord [πήγνυμι] set up, not man.” (Hebrews 8:2)

Additional References:
[This is the only occurrence in the New Testament]

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πήγνυμι powerfully illustrates God’s establishment of true worship. The good news of King Jesus includes access to the eternal sanctuary that God Himself has established. This word reminds us that authentic worship occurs not in human-made structures but in the heavenly reality that God has permanently fixed in place.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient architectural treatises for permanent construction.
2. Applied in military contexts for establishing camps.
3. Influenced early Christian architectural terminology.

Strong’s G4078: A verb emphasizing permanent establishment or construction, particularly used of God’s creation of the heavenly sanctuary. Contrasts human and divine building, highlighting the eternal nature of God’s true tabernacle.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #establish #construct #tabernacle #worship #heaven #sanctuary #Hebrews #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #divine #permanence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​