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θιγγάνω

thingánō

G2345 verb

SILEX Entry

Root θιγ- to touch, to handle, to make physical contact

Definition

To physically touch or handle something with one's hand or fingers. The word implies concrete, tangible contact, as distinct from a metaphorical or indirect touching. In some contexts, it can suggest engaging with or making contact in a way that might involve contamination or ritual impurity, but the core lexical meaning is the act of touching or feeling with the hand.

Semantic Range

to touch physically, to handle, to make contact with, to touch in a way that may result in ritual impurity, to engage with physically

Root / Etymology

From the root θιγ-, an extended or 'prolonged' form of the base verb θιγ- (obsolete in classical usage), meaning 'to touch.' Related to Latin 'tango' and English 'tact.' The etymology points to a Proto-Indo-European root *dheigh-, 'to touch.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, θιγγάνω is attested from at least the 5th c. BCE (in Homer and onwards) and consistently refers to physical touching, often with a sense of cautiousness or precision (e.g., 'touching the object lightly'). In the Septuagint and New Testament, its use is rare but notable—appearing as a verb for physical contact often where such contact was significant for reasons of ritual purity (cf. Colossians 2:21). The verb typically does not carry the sense of injury or harm directly, unless the context specifically raises that implication (as handling in a way that is forbidden or defiling). English translations such as 'handle' or 'touch' may adequately convey the meaning in most contexts, but may miss the cultural weight in contexts of ritual or purity law, where touch could involve consequences of impurity. The use of this verb in distinction from other Greek verbs for 'touch' such as ἅπτομαι (to grasp, cling to) is more clinical or neutral, focusing on the act rather than its intensity or result.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a prolonged form of an obsolete primary (to finger); to manipulate, i.e. have to do with; by implication, to injure:--handle, touch.

Root Family

θιγγάνω (thinganō) — to touch, to handle, to make physical contact

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2345-01 θίγῃ thige V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG touches should touch 2
G2345-02 θίγῃς thiges V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG touch you might touch 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2345-02 Colossians 2:21 θίγῃς thiges V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG touch you might touch
G2345-01 Hebrews 11:28 θίγῃ thige V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG should touch
G2345-01 Hebrews 12:20 θίγῃ thige V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG touches should touch
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