Brief Overview of πτύσσω (Strong’s G4428: ptusso)

Strong’s G4428: A verb meaning “to fold, roll up,” specifically used for rolling up scrolls or documents. Appears in Luke’s Gospel describing Jesus rolling up the scroll after reading from Isaiah in the synagogue. Represents the formal conclusion of public Scripture reading in Jewish worship.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτύσσω carries significant cultural and liturgical meaning in its New Testament context. The act of rolling up a scroll was not merely functional but carried ceremonial significance in synagogue worship. In Luke 4:20, this action marks the transition from Jesus’s reading of Isaiah to His profound announcement of its fulfillment. Early church fathers often referenced this term when discussing the proper handling of sacred texts and the significance of public Scripture reading. Today, it reminds us of both the reverence due to Scripture and the formal nature of its public proclamation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτύσσω, ptusso, /ptoos-so/
• Detailed pronunciation: p-TOOS-so (with initial ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: Unknown precise origin
• Possibly onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of rolling
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic meaning related to folding or rolling

D – Defining Meanings

• To roll up (especially scrolls)
• To fold
• To close by rolling

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “To roll up” – Most precise for scroll contexts
• “To fold” – Alternative for other contexts
• “To close” – General meaning when handling documents

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀναπτύσσω (anaptusso) /an-ap-toos-so/ – “to unroll” – See G380
• εἱλίσσω (heilisso) /hi-lis-so/ – “to roll up” – See G1667
• κλείω (kleio) /kli-oh/ – “to shut” – See G2808

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, πτύσσω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present Active: πτύσσω (I roll up)
• Aorist Active: ἔπτυξα (I rolled up)
• Perfect Passive: ἔπτυγμαι (I have been rolled up)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical use in handling scrolls. Thayer’s notes its ceremonial significance in synagogue worship. LSJ documents its use in both sacred and secular contexts. Vine’s connects it to formal conclusion of Scripture reading. Strong’s emphasizes its practical meaning. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri describing document handling. LEH discusses its use in Septuagint descriptions of sacred texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 4:20 “And he closed [πτύξας] the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτύσσω marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’s ministry – the formal conclusion of reading Isaiah’s prophecy before announcing its fulfillment in Himself. This simple act of rolling up the scroll preceded one of the most significant declarations in Scripture. It proclaims the good news that in Jesus, the prophecies are not just read but fulfilled, not just handled but embodied.

D – Did You Know?

1. The careful rolling of scrolls was essential for their preservation in ancient times.
2. Synagogue scrolls were rolled using specific techniques to prevent damage.
3. The word influenced early Christian practices in handling sacred texts.

Strong’s G4428: A verb meaning “to fold, roll up,” specifically used for rolling up scrolls or documents. Appears in Luke’s Gospel describing Jesus rolling up the scroll after reading from Isaiah in the synagogue. Represents the formal conclusion of public Scripture reading in Jewish worship.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: scrolls, Scripture reading, synagogue worship, sacred texts, Jewish customs, Jesus teaching, Isaiah prophecy, document handling, liturgical actions, public reading, scripture care, worship practices