πηδάλιον
pēdálion
G4079 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A steering blade or control apparatus of a ship, primarily a rudder, used to direct the movement of the vessel. The term may also generally encompass devices used for guiding or steering, but specifically refers to the physical implement (typically the large blade at the stern of a ship) for navigation.
Semantic Range
rudder, steering apparatus of a ship, means of guidance, metaphor for guidance or influence
Root / Etymology
From the same root as πέδη (‘fetter’), likely related by the idea of control or restricting movement. May be linked to the notion of fettering or restraining as in guiding the direction of a vessel. The root relationship is formal (by structure) rather than semantic. Unrelated to Latin radicals for helm or steer.
Historical & Contextual Notes
πηδάλιον appears in later classical and Hellenistic Greek, with primary attestation in technical and nautical literature. In the context of Greek navigation, it denotes the physical device mounted at the stern for steering ships. In the New Testament (Acts 27:40; James 3:4), πηδάλιον is used metaphorically for guidance and influence, especially in the context of the tongue (James) and guidance through peril (Acts). The LXX does not use πηδάλιον, reflecting its later coinage or specialized usage. In English Bible translations, 'rudder' is the standard rendering, but this term may obscure the broader Greek nautical practice in which steering, especially in older vessels, could involve more than a single rudder or similar controlling apparatus. Other Greek terms for steering include κυβερνήτης (pilot or helmsman) and κυβερνάω (to steer), which refer to the person or act rather than the physical implement. The metaphorical use in James is primarily about guidance, not control by force. Later Byzantine and modern Greek retain the term πηδάλιον in technical and nautical contexts. Its semantic scope in Hellenistic literature was primarily literal and technical, moving to figurative in some later usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a (presumed) derivative of (the blade of an oar; from the same as πέδη); a "pedal", i.e. helm:--rudder.
Root Family
πηδάλιον (pēdalion) — steering blade, rudder, control apparatus, means of guidance
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4079-02 |
πηδαλίου | pedaliou | N GEN N SG |
rudder | of a rudder | of a rudder | 1 |
G4079-01 |
πηδαλίων | pedalion | N GEN N PL |
rudders | of steering-blades | rudders | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4079-01 |
Acts 27:40 | πηδαλίων | pedalion | N GEN N PL |
rudders | of steering-blades | rudders |
G4079-02 |
James 3:4 | πηδαλίου | pedaliou | N GEN N SG |
rudder | of a rudder | of a rudder |