of uncertain derivation; the heel (figuratively):--heel.
Transliteration:ptérna
Pronunciation:pter'-nah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πτέρνα (ptérna, `{{G4418}}`) fundamentally denotes the "heel" of a foot. While its etymological derivation is noted as uncertain, its semantic range in ancient Greek often extended beyond the literal anatomical part to encompass figurative meanings. In its literal sense, it refers to the posterior part of the human foot, a point of contact with the ground, but also a vulnerable area. Figuratively, as indicated in its base definition, "heel" can represent a point of weakness, a place for a deceptive strike, or an act of supplanting. The most significant figurative usage in biblical contexts points towards betrayal, a treacherous kick, or an unexpected blow from someone close, akin to striking a person from behind with the heel. This carries connotations of contempt and subversion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πτέρνα (ptérna, `{{G4418}}`) occurs only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John:
* **[[John 13:18]]**: "I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’"
This verse is a direct quotation by Jesus from [[Psalm 41:9]] (LXX [[Psalm 40:10]]), which reads in the Hebrew Masoretic Text: "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me." The Hebrew word for "turned against me" or "lifted his heel against me" is עָקֵב (aqev, `{{H6119}}`), which literally means "heel" but also carries the connotation of "to lie in wait," "to supplant," or "to trip up."
In the context of [[John 13:18]], Jesus applies this prophecy to Judas Iscariot, highlighting the profound betrayal he would experience from one of his closest disciples. The act of "lifting the heel" signifies a contemptuous, unexpected, and devastating act of treachery. It implies a sudden, violent, and often clandestine movement intended to cause harm or overthrow. The shared meal, a symbol of fellowship and trust, makes the "lifting of the heel" even more heinous, emphasizing the depth of Judas’s perfidy against his Lord. This single occurrence of πτέρνα in the New Testament is therefore deeply charged with the themes of prophecy, betrayal, and divine sovereignty over human sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew עָקֵב (aqev, `{{H6119}}`), which is the word found in [[Psalm 41:9]] and translated by πτέρνα in the Septuagint (LXX). This connection is crucial for understanding the New Testament usage.
Furthermore, the concept of the "heel" is prominent in other pivotal biblical passages:
* **[[Genesis 3:15]]**: "He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." In the Septuagint, the word for "heel" here is also πτέρνα. This protoevangelium establishes a cosmic conflict where the serpent will strike the heel of the woman's offspring (the Messiah), a wound that is painful but not fatal, while the offspring will crush the serpent's head, a fatal blow.
* **Jacob's Name**: The patriarch Jacob (יַעֲקֹב, Ya'akov, `{{H3290}}`) derives his name from the root עָקַב (aqav, `{{H6117}}`), meaning "to grasp the heel" or "to supplant." This foreshadows his life's narrative of supplanting his brother Esau, further reinforcing the figurative meaning of the heel as a point of contention, cunning, or even treachery.
These intertextual connections reveal a consistent biblical motif where the "heel" is associated with vulnerability, a point of attack, but also with acts of cunning, betrayal, and ultimately, a part of the divine plan for redemption.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πτέρνα (ptérna, `{{G4418}}`) in [[John 13:18]] is multi-faceted:
1. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: Jesus' direct citation of [[Psalm 41:9]] underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in his life and suffering. The betrayal by Judas was not an unforeseen accident but part of God's sovereign plan, revealed centuries earlier. This affirms the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture.
2. **The Nature of Betrayal**: The "lifting of the heel" vividly portrays the heinous nature of betrayal, especially from one who shared intimate fellowship. It highlights the profound pain and spiritual cost of treachery, even for the Son of God. It serves as a stark warning against internal disloyalty within the community of faith.
3. **Messianic Suffering**: The imagery of the "bruised heel" from [[Genesis 3:15]] (where the LXX uses πτέρνα) resonates with the suffering of the Messiah. While the betrayal by Judas (the lifting of the heel) leads to the crucifixion, this "bruising" is ultimately temporary and leads to the decisive victory over sin and death, the crushing of the serpent's head. The betrayal is part of the path to ultimate triumph.
4. **Divine Sovereignty**: Despite the human agency of Judas's betrayal, the fact that it was prophesied and "fulfilled" demonstrates God's overarching sovereignty. Even the darkest acts of human sin are incorporated into God's redemptive plan, ultimately serving His purposes.
### Summary
The Greek word πτέρνα (ptérna, `{{G4418}}`), meaning "heel," appears only once in the New Testament, in [[John 13:18]]. Here, Jesus quotes [[Psalm 41:9]] to describe Judas Iscariot's betrayal, stating, "He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me." This vivid imagery, rooted in the Hebrew עָקֵב (aqev, `{{H6119}}`), signifies a treacherous, contemptuous, and unexpected act of betrayal from an intimate associate. The concept of the "heel" also connects to the protoevangelium in [[Genesis 3:15]] (where the LXX also uses πτέρνα), depicting the serpent's temporary bruising of the Messiah's heel as part of the cosmic conflict that ultimately leads to the Messiah's decisive victory. Theologically, the use of πτέρνα in [[John 13:18]] powerfully underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, the profound pain of betrayal, the nature of Messianic suffering, and the overarching sovereignty of God even amidst human sin and treachery.
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