δάκτυλος
dáktylos
G1147 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
a finger; refers to one of the digits of the hand, used both in the literal, anatomical sense ('finger') and occasionally in metaphorical expressions or as a measurement term (e.g., a unit of width). Primary meaning is the anatomical finger, especially as distinguished from the broader term for 'hand'. In rare cases, can refer to a stylus or writing implement, by extension from the use of a finger for writing in dust or wax.
Semantic Range
finger, digit (of the hand), fingerbreadth (unit of measure), by extension: stylus (rare), element in idioms (e.g., 'finger of God'), metrical foot (by analogy, not used in biblical texts)
Root / Etymology
From an ancient but uncertain root, possibly related to δεκά ('ten'), given that most people have ten fingers, but the exact derivation is unclear.
Historical & Contextual Notes
δάκτυλος occurs in both classical and Koine Greek to denote an individual finger, distinct from χείρ ('hand'). In classical literature, the word was also used to denote a fingerbreadth as a unit of measurement (the width of a finger, roughly 1.85 cm), though this sense is less common in the New Testament and LXX. The word appears in New Testament passages (e.g., Luke 11:20) in idioms and figurative language (such as 'the finger of God'), echoing Hebrew expressions in the Septuagint (e.g., ἡ δάκτυλος τοῦ Θεοῦ for יַד אֱלֹהִים 'the finger/hand of God'). Standard English translations typically render this word simply as 'finger,' but the cultural connotations in idiomatic expressions may not be fully captured. The word is attested from at least Homeric Greek onward, with consistent meaning throughout its history. In medical, artistic, and literary contexts, δάκτυλος could sometimes allude to instruments shaped like fingers or readers' pointing gestures. Not to be confused with δάκτυλος as a metrical foot in poetry, which is derived by analogy with the relative lengths 'long-short-short' (finger phalanges).
Translation Consistency
Most occurrences and the primary meaning are the anatomical digit of the hand, so 'finger' is the natural, everyday English term that covers the typical uses (literal digit, idiomatic 'finger of God', and by extension measurement contexts). Alternatives like 'digit' or 'fingerbreadth' are either more technical or overly specific; 'finger' is both accurate and most natural for consistent rendering.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from δέκα; a finger:--finger.
Root Family
δάκτυλος (dáktylos) — finger, digit
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1147-01 |
δακτύλῳ | daktulo | N DAT M SG |
finger | with a finger | with a finger | 4 |
G1147-02 |
δακτύλων | daktulon | N GEN M PL |
finger | of fingers | finger | 3 |
G1147-04 |
δακτύλους | daktulous | N ACC M PL |
fingers | fingers | fingers | 1 |
G1147-03 |
δακτύλου | daktulou | N GEN M SG |
finger | of a finger | finger | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
9 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1147-01 |
Matthew 23:4 | δακτύλῳ | daktulo | N DAT M SG |
finger | with a finger | with a finger |
G1147-04 |
Mark 7:33 | δακτύλους | daktulous | N ACC M PL |
fingers | fingers | fingers |
G1147-01 |
Luke 11:20 | δακτύλῳ | daktulo | N DAT M SG |
finger | with a finger | with a finger |
G1147-02 |
Luke 11:46 | δακτύλων | daktulon | N GEN M PL |
fingers | of fingers | of fingers |
G1147-03 |
Luke 16:24 | δακτύλου | daktulou | N GEN M SG |
finger | of a finger | finger |
G1147-01 |
John 8:6 | δακτύλῳ | daktulo | N DAT M SG |
finger | with a finger | with a finger |
G1147-01 |
John 8:8 | δακτύλῳ | daktulo | N DAT M SG |
finger | with a finger | with a finger |
G1147-02 |
John 20:25 | δάκτυλόν | daktulon | N ACC M SG |
finger | of fingers | finger |
G1147-02 |
John 20:27 | δάκτυλόν | daktulon | N ACC M SG |
finger | of fingers | finger |