πήγνυμι
pḗgnymi
G4078 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make firm by driving in, fasten securely (often with a peg or stake), or to set upright. Core sense: to fix firmly in place, typically by staking, pegging, or embedding. Extended senses include to erect, set up (such as pitching a tent), or to consolidate something physically or metaphorically (rare). The verb is used in contexts where something is anchored or established firmly, by physical means or, less commonly, figuratively for firm establishment.
Semantic Range
to fix firmly, to fasten (with a peg or stake), to set up or erect (a tent or structure), to drive in (a peg), to consolidate or make secure, to establish firmly (rare figurative use)
Root / Etymology
From root πήγ- meaning 'to make firm, fix, fasten.' Related to Latin pangere ('to fasten, fix'), indicating deep Indo-European roots. The root is applied in Greek in terms related to fastening, fixing, and making things stand upright or secure. Simple form πήγνυμι was largely replaced by more regular forms in Koine, but persists in compounds and as an augmentative or intensive stem.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, πήγνυμι is common in technical and poetic contexts for 'fixing,' 'setting up,' or 'fastening' both physical objects (such as pegs, stakes, posts, or spears) and structures (particularly tents and other temporary shelters). In the LXX and New Testament, use is rare but maintains this technical sense, often in references to pitching tents or fixing objects. Notably, the verb usually implies a forceful or deliberate act of establishing something securely (not merely placing or setting). English translations such as 'pitch' (a tent) or 'fix' (in place) are commonly used, but do not always convey the nuance of securely fastening. Compared to related verbs like στῆναι ('to stand'), πήγνυμι emphasizes the means of making something firm. In post-classical and Koine usage, the verb is much less common, sometimes appearing in compounds or idiomatic phrases. The sense of temporary establishment (as in tents) reflects Near Eastern nomadic practices and context in the LXX or New Testament. Standard translation as 'pitch' (a tent) is serviceable, but the core sense remains 'to fasten or fix securely, often by driving in a peg or stake.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a prolonged form of a primary verb (which in its simpler form occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses); to fix ("peg"), i.e. (specially) to set up (a tent):--pitch.
Root Family
πήγ- (pḗgnymi) — to fasten, to fix, to set up, to make firm
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4078-01 |
ἔπηξεν | epexen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
pitched | he fastened firmly | he fastened firmly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4078-01 |
Hebrews 8:2 | ἔπηξεν | epexen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
pitched | he fastened firmly | he fastened firmly |