πτερύγιον
pterýgion
G4419 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A small wing or wing-like projection; a diminutive form of 'wing.' In broader usage, refers to any projecting part resembling a wing or fin, including architectural and anatomical extensions. In specific contexts, can denote a peak, edge, or the highest point of a structure, such as the 'pinnacle' of a building or the extremity of the Temple.
Semantic Range
small wing, winglet, fin, projecting part, extremity, architectural peak, top corner, parapet, pinnacle
Root / Etymology
Diminutive of πτέρυξ (wing); formed from the root πτερ- with the diminutive ending -ύγιον. No evidence for direct borrowing from a non-Greek source.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Hellenistic and later Koine Greek for both literal and architectural/metaphoric senses, but rare in earlier Greek. In the New Testament (notably in the temptation narrative, Matthew 4:5 and Luke 4:9), πτερύγιον refers to a specific high point or projecting part of the Temple in Jerusalem, traditionally rendered as 'pinnacle' in English Bibles. The precise architectural referent is debated: suggestions include a parapet, roof corner, or other projecting element. In broader Hellenistic writing, the term could be applied to small fins, wings, or edges, anatomical or artificial. English translations often narrow the sense to 'pinnacle,' but the Greek allows for a broader range of architectural or anatomical extremities. Not a standard word for 'wing' in classical usage (that is πτέρυξ).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a presumed derivative of πτέρυξ; a winglet, i.e. (figuratively) extremity (top corner):--pinnacle.
Root Family
πτερύγιον (pterygion) — small wing, projection, extremity
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4419-01 |
πτερύγιον | pterugion | N ACC N SG |
pinnacle | small wing-projection | pinnacle | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4419-01 |
Matthew 4:5 | πτερύγιον | pterugion | N ACC N SG |
pinnacle | small wing-projection | small wing-projection |
G4419-01 |
Luke 4:9 | πτερύγιον | pterugion | N ACC N SG |
pinnacle | small wing-projection | pinnacle |