### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πινακίδιον (pinakídion), Strong's `{{G4093}}`, is a diminutive form of the noun πίναξ (pinax), meaning "board" or "tablet." As a diminutive, πινακίδιον specifically denotes a "small writing tablet." These tablets were typically made of wood, often coated with wax, upon which one could write with a stylus. The wax allowed for easy erasure and reuse. Alternatively, they could be small wooden boards for ink writing, or even small clay tablets, depending on the specific cultural context, though the Lukean context suggests a readily available writing surface for immediate use. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing solely on its function as a portable and practical instrument for writing, distinct from larger scrolls (e.g., βιβλίον `{{G975}}`) or more permanent inscriptions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πινακίδιον appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 1:63]]: "And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, 'His name is John.'"
This solitary occurrence is profoundly significant. It describes the moment when Zechariah, struck mute for his disbelief concerning the angel Gabriel's prophecy of John's birth, is asked to name his newborn son. The community, assuming the child would be named after his father, questioned Elizabeth's declaration of "John." When they turned to Zechariah, he requested a "writing tablet" (πινακίδιον) to communicate. His act of writing "His name is John" was a public affirmation of the divine command given by Gabriel (cf. [[Luke 1:13]]). Immediately after writing, Zechariah's speech was restored, confirming the miraculous nature of the events and his renewed faith. The *pinakídion* thus serves as the tangible instrument through which Zechariah's obedience and God's faithfulness are dramatically revealed. It underscores the immediacy and necessity of his written affirmation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to its root word, πίναξ (pinax), which can refer to a larger board, tablet, or even a plate. While not explicitly used for writing in the New Testament, its diminutive form in πινακίδιον highlights a specific application. Other related concepts include:
* **γράφω (graphō) `{{G1125}}`**: "to write," the primary action performed with a πινακίδιον. Zechariah's writing is central to the narrative.
* **βιβλίον (biblion) `{{G975}}`**: "scroll, book," representing a more extensive or formal written document, contrasting with the small, immediate nature of the πινακίδιον.
* **χάρτης (chartēs) `{{G5489}}`**: "paper, scroll," another general term for writing material.
* The broader biblical concept of "writing" (e.g., the Law written on tablets, prophecies written in scrolls) emphasizes the importance of the written word as a means of divine communication, record-keeping, and covenant. The humble πινακίδιον participates in this larger theme, albeit in a singular, personal, and profoundly revelatory moment.
### Theological Significance
The single use of πινακίδιον in [[Luke 1:63]] carries significant theological weight. It is not merely a mundane object but an instrument in a pivotal moment of salvation history:
1. **Divine Confirmation and Obedience:** Zechariah's act of writing "His name is John" on the *pinakídion* is the final, public act of obedience that confirms his acceptance of God's word through Gabriel. His prior disbelief had resulted in muteness, and his restoration of speech is directly linked to this act of faith and affirmation. The tablet becomes a witness to his submission to the divine will.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The naming of John according to divine instruction marks a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, preparing the way for the Messiah. The *pinakídion* facilitates the tangible expression of this divine decree.
3. **The Power of the Spoken and Written Word:** The narrative highlights the interplay between the spoken word (Gabriel's prophecy, Elizabeth's declaration) and the written word (Zechariah's inscription). Both are instruments through which God's will is manifested and confirmed. The *pinakídion* provides the physical medium for this confirmation.
4. **Symbol of God's Faithfulness:** In this dramatic scene, the *pinakídion* is a silent witness to God's faithfulness to His promises, even when faced with human doubt. It underscores that God's plan will be accomplished, often through simple means and in unexpected ways.
### Summary
The Greek word πινακίδιον (pinakídion), Strong's `{{G4093}}`, designates a "small writing tablet." Its singular appearance in [[Luke 1:63]] is highly significant, marking the moment when Zechariah, previously mute, publicly affirms the divinely appointed name of his son, John. This humble writing instrument serves as a critical physical medium through which Zechariah's obedience is demonstrated, divine prophecy is confirmed, and his speech is miraculously restored. The *pinakídion* thus stands as a tangible symbol of God's faithfulness and the power of His word, even as it unfolds through human instruments in the grand narrative of salvation.
TRV