Brief Overview of πινακίδιον (Strong’s G4093: pinakidion)

Strong’s G4093: A noun meaning “small writing tablet,” a diminutive of πίναξ (board, tablet). In biblical usage, appears in Luke’s account of Zechariah writing John’s name, marking a pivotal moment in salvation history through a common writing tool.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πινακίδιον (pinakidion) refers to a small writing tablet used for daily communication. In the New Testament, it appears in the significant moment when Zechariah, temporarily mute, writes “His name is John,” confirming divine direction and breaking his silence. Early church writers saw this tablet as symbolizing the transition between old and new covenants. Today, it reminds us how God uses ordinary means to communicate extraordinary truth.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πινακίδιον, pinakidion, pin-ak-id’-ee-on
• Detailed pronunciation: pin (as in “pin”) + ak (as in “ack”) + id (as in “id”) + ee (as in “see”) + on (as in “on”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πίναξ (pinax) – board or tablet
• -ίδιον (-idion) – diminutive suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• Small writing tablet
• Writing board
• Note tablet
• Writing surface
• Message board

For compound words:
Base word πίναξ provides concept of writing surface
Suffix -ίδιον indicates smaller size

Translation Options:

1. Writing tablet – emphasizes function
2. Small tablet – highlights size
3. Writing board – describes material

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δέλτος (deltos) [del’-tos] – larger tablet
• χάρτης (chartēs) [khar’-tace] – papyrus
• βιβλίον (biblion) [bib-lee’-on] – book, scroll

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

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

Example forms:
Nominative singular: πινακίδιον
Genitive singular: πινακιδίου
Dative plural: πινακιδίοις

Cross-references:

• Base noun: πίναξ (tablet)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its everyday use. Thayer’s notes its specific appearance in Luke. LSJ documents various writing contexts. Vine’s connects it to divine communication. Strong’s highlights its diminutive form. Moulton and Milligan note its common occurrence in documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And he asked for a writing tablet [πινακίδιον] and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And they all wondered.” (Luke 1:63)

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πινακίδιον powerfully illustrates how God uses ordinary means for extraordinary purposes. The good news of King Jesus often comes through simple, everyday channels. This word reminds us that divine messages can be conveyed through humble instruments, just as Zechariah’s tablet proclaimed God’s faithfulness.

D – Did You Know?

1. Common in ancient school settings for student writing.
2. Often covered with wax for reusable writing.
3. Early Christians used similar tablets for liturgical texts.

Strong’s G4093: A noun denoting a small writing tablet, particularly significant in Luke’s account of John the Baptist’s naming. Represents how God uses ordinary means to communicate extraordinary truth in salvation history.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #writing #tablet #Zechariah #John #communication #Luke #Nativity #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #divine message​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​