πτέρυξ (G4420) — Greek Lexicon

πτέρυξ

ptéryx

G4420 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A wing; specifically, the appendage of a bird or other flying creature that enables flight. By extension, used as a metaphor for covering, protection, or the upper extremity of something that spreads outward, such as the 'wings' of the cherubim over the Ark or outstretched architectural features. The primary lexical meaning is the physical wing, but the notion of spreading or sheltering is present in some contexts.

Semantic Range

wing (of birds, insects, supernatural beings), wing-like extension, covering or sheltering extension, architectural or symbolic wing, metaphoric use for protection or power

Root / Etymology

Derived from the Greek root πτερ- (as in πτερόν, 'feather', 'wing'), itself related to the verb πέτομαι ('to fly'). The form πτέρυξ is a specific, less common noun variation in Greek; the creation likely stems from analogy with other words designating shape or structures that extend outward. Related to Indo-European roots for feather or wing.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πτέρυξ is used for a literal bird's wing, and by extension for anything resembling a wing in form—such as the 'wings' of structures or even the fins of fish. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, it appears rarely but is employed in literary and Jewish-Greek sources for both natural and architectural/figurative wings. In the Septuagint, πτέρυξ frequently translates Hebrew כָּנָף (kanaph), denoting both bird wings and protective covers (such as the wings of cherubim over the Ark in Exodus 25:20, 37:9). In the New Testament, πτέρυξ is notably used in Revelation (Rev 4:8, 12:14) in apocalyptic imagery of living creatures or great signs, drawing on a tradition of angelic or supernatural wings. English translations often simply use 'wing', but this may miss metaphorical senses (covering, extension, shelter). Distinguished from πτερόν, which is often the collective for feathers or wings in general, πτέρυξ often emphasizes a distinct, structured wing, especially in technical or descriptive passages.

Translation Consistency

primary "wing" 5 occurrences

The primary and most natural English equivalent for πτέρυξ is 'wing.' It covers the literal sense (bird/insect/supernatural wings) and the common extended senses (wing-like extension, sheltering covering, architectural or symbolic wings). It matches the existing renderings ('wings' occurrences) and provides a simple, consistent base form for all morphological forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of πέτομαι (meaning a feather); a wing:--wing.

Root Family

πτέρυξ (ptéryx) — wing, feathered limb, flying appendage

Root πτερ- wing, appendage for flight, feathered limb

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4420-01`	πτέρυγας	pterugas	`N ACC F PL`	wings	wings	wings	3
`G4420-03`	πτερύγων	pterugon	`N GEN F PL`	wings	of wings	wings	1
`G4420-02`	πτέρυγες	pteruges	`N NOM F PL`	wings	wings	wings	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4420-01`	Matthew 23:37	πτέρυγας	pterugas	`N ACC F PL`	wings	wings	wings
`G4420-01`	Luke 13:34	πτέρυγας	pterugas	`N ACC F PL`	wings	wings	wings
`G4420-01`	Revelation 4:8	πτέρυγας	pterugas	`N ACC F PL`	wings	wings	wings
`G4420-03`	Revelation 9:9	πτερύγων	pterugon	`N GEN F PL`	wings	of wings	wings
`G4420-02`	Revelation 12:14	πτέρυγες	pteruges	`N NOM F PL`	wings	wings	wings

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