a prolonged form of an obsolete primary (to finger); to manipulate, i.e. have to do with; by implication, to injure:--handle, touch.
Transliteration:thingánō
Pronunciation:thing-gan'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θιγγάνω (thingánō, `{{G2345}}`) derives from a prolonged form of an obsolete primary root, literally meaning "to finger." Its core semantic range encompasses the act of physical contact, specifically "to manipulate," "to have to do with," or "to touch." Crucially, the base definition also includes the implication "to injure." This suggests that while it denotes physical contact, it often carries a nuance of either a prohibited, intrusive, or potentially harmful interaction, distinguishing it from other Greek words for "touch" like ἅπτομαι (haptomai, `{{G680}}`), which can imply a clinging or grasping, often for healing or intimate contact, or ψαύω (psauō, `{{G5217}}`), which suggests a lighter, more superficial touch. θιγγάνω implies a more direct, perhaps even an illicit or defiling, engagement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of θιγγάνω in the New Testament is notably sparse, appearing only twice, yet each instance carries significant theological weight.
1. **[[Hebrews 12:20]]**: "For they could not endure what was commanded, 'If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.'"
* Here, θιγγάνω describes any unauthorized contact with Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law. The context emphasizes the absolute holiness and terrifying majesty of God's presence. The prohibition was so strict that even an animal touching the mountain was to be executed. The use of θιγγάνω underscores the severe boundary between the holy God and sinful humanity, highlighting the utter impossibility of approach without divine mediation. The implied "injury" here is not to the mountain, but to the one who touches, incurring divine wrath.
2. **[[Colossians 2:21]]**: "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch!" (μὴ θίγῃς)
* This verse is part of Paul's critique of ascetic regulations and human traditions that sought to impose external rules for spiritual purity. The phrase "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch!" (μὴ ἅψῃ, μηδὲ γεύσῃ, μηδὲ θίγῃς) employs three distinct verbs for physical interaction. While ἅψῃ (haptomai) might refer to a more sustained contact, θίγῃς (thingánō) here likely refers to even the slightest, most superficial contact with certain forbidden items (likely food or objects deemed unclean by human decree). Paul uses this strong language to expose the futility of such rules, which, despite their appearance of wisdom, do not truly restrain the desires of the flesh but rather distract from the true spiritual freedom and life found in Christ.
In both contexts, θιγγάνω denotes a prohibited touch, whether by divine command due to holiness or by human command due to legalistic asceticism.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Synonyms for "Touch":**
* `{{G680}}` ἅπτομαι (haptomai): Often implies a more intentional, sustained, or clinging touch, frequently associated with healing, defilement, or intimate interaction.
* `{{G5217}}` ψαύω (psauō): Refers to a light, superficial touch, often for examination or feeling.
* **Concepts:**
* **Holiness and Defilement:** The word is intrinsically linked to the concept of sacred boundaries and the consequences of violating them, whether through direct transgression against divine law ([[Hebrews 12:20]]) or through adherence to human-made distinctions of purity ([[Colossians 2:21]]).
* **Legalism and Asceticism:** In Colossians, θιγγάνω becomes a key term in Paul's dismantling of external, human-imposed rules that attempt to control behavior but fail to transform the heart.
* **Divine Presence:** The prohibition against touching Mount Sinai underscores the awesome and unapproachable nature of God's unmediated presence under the Old Covenant.
* **Prohibition and Separation:** The word delineates spheres of permissible and impermissible interaction, emphasizing the need for separation or specific conditions for contact.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of θιγγάνω is profound, particularly given its limited but impactful usage:
1. **The Unapproachable Holiness of God:** In [[Hebrews 12:20]], θιγγάνω powerfully conveys the absolute, consuming holiness of God. The prohibition against touching Mount Sinai illustrates the vast chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. This terrifying aspect of God's holiness serves as a stark contrast to the new covenant, where believers are invited to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" ([[Hebrews 4:16]]) through the mediation of Christ. The word thus highlights the profound need for a mediator and the unique access granted through Christ's sacrifice, which transcends the limitations and terrors of the old covenant.
2. **Critique of Human-Made Legalism:** In [[Colossians 2:21]], θιγγάνω is a key term in Paul's polemic against false teachings that emphasize external regulations and ascetic practices. By including "Do not touch!" among "Do not handle, Do not taste!", Paul exposes the superficiality and spiritual emptiness of such rules. These human commands, while appearing pious, fail to address the true source of sin—the desires of the flesh. The theological implication is that true spiritual transformation and purity do not come from meticulously avoiding physical contact with certain things but from union with Christ and living by the Spirit. This underscores the freedom and sufficiency of Christ's work over the bondage of human traditions.
3. **Contrast with Christ's Touch:** While θιγγάνω is used in contexts of prohibition and potential defilement, the New Testament often portrays Jesus' touch (frequently using ἅπτομαι, `{{G680}}`) as a source of healing, cleansing, and restoration. This contrast highlights the radical difference between the Old Covenant's emphasis on separation due to defilement and the New Covenant's emphasis on Christ's power to purify and make whole through His redemptive contact.
### Summary
The Greek verb θιγγάνω (thingánō, `{{G2345}}`) denotes a direct physical contact, often with implications of manipulation or potential injury, and is notably used in contexts of strict prohibition. Its rare but significant occurrences in the New Testament illuminate two crucial theological themes: In [[Hebrews 12:20]], it underscores the terrifying and unapproachable holiness of God under the Old Covenant, where any unauthorized "touch" of His sacred presence incurred severe judgment. In [[Colossians 2:21]], it is employed as part of Paul's critique of human-made ascetic regulations, exposing the futility of external "Do not touch!" rules in achieving genuine spiritual purity. The word thus marks boundaries, whether divinely imposed due to holiness or humanly constructed due to legalism, and ultimately points to the superior access and true spiritual freedom found only in Christ.
TRV