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πτέρνα

ptérna

G4418 noun

SILEX Entry

Root πτερν- heel, rear part of foot

Definition

'Heel': the rear part of the foot, the part of the body on which a person stands or walks; in some contexts, used figuratively to indicate pursuit, following, or as a metaphor for vulnerability or treachery (e.g., being struck on the heel). Primary sense is anatomical, secondary metaphorical uses possible but rare.

Semantic Range

heel (anatomical), rear part of the foot, figurative: vulnerability, being pursued, treachery

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain; no clear derivation from existing Greek roots. The word is likely of pre-Greek or substrate origin, as no cognates or clear root extensions are attested in earlier Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

πτερνα is a rare term occurring in Hellenistic and later Greek, attested sparsely in literature and inscriptions. In the New Testament, it appears in Lk 22:3, referencing the 'heel' in an allusion to betrayal, echoing the Septuagint usage in Genesis 3:15. In Septuagint Greek, πτέρνα translates the Hebrew עָקֵב ('āqēb), 'heel', in certain instances, including the motif of being struck in the heel as a sign of hostility or vulnerability (Genesis 3:15). In classical Greek, the more common term for 'heel' is πτέρνη (pternē), also rare, but attested in Hippocratic medical texts and some poetic sources. Metaphorical application (such as pursuit, attack, or treachery) is occasional and often derives from Hebrew narrative or Septuagint influence. Standard English translations typically render πτέρνα simply as 'heel,' which is appropriate in anatomical contexts, but may under-translate nuanced metaphorical or allusive senses in biblical contexts. The word is not part of the core everyday Koine vocabulary and its usage is more marked or elevated. Distinguished from ποῦς (pous, 'foot') and ἄκρον (akron, 'extremity, tip').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; the heel (figuratively):--heel.

Root Family

πτέρνα (pterna) — heel, rear part of foot

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4418-01 πτέρναν pternan N ACC F SG heel heel 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4418-01 John 13:18 πτέρναν pternan N ACC F SG heel heel
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