πυγμή
pygmḗ
G4435 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pygmḗ primarily refers to the fist, specifically the closed or clenched hand. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, the term also came to designate actions or measurements related to the fist’s length or force, and in certain ritual or idiomatic expressions, it connotes a degree or method of action performed with the fist (e.g., scrubbing, striking). In the New Testament, particularly Mark 7:3, it is used adverbially to describe thoroughness or intensity, such as the thorough washing of hands ('with cupped hand' or 'vigorously').
Semantic Range
the hand clenched into a fist, action with the fist (e.g., striking or scrubbing), a unit of linear measure (elbow to knuckles), thoroughness or intensity (idiomatically, especially in ritual washing)
Root / Etymology
From the root πυγμ- (pygm-), related to the concept of the fist or closed hand. Cognate to classical Greek usage where πυγμή referred both to the fist and a linear measure (from the elbow to the knuckles).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, πυγμή referred both to the fist as a physical part of the body and to a unit of measure—roughly the length from the elbow to the knuckles—though the latter meaning is rare in Koine. In the context of Mark 7:3, πυγμῇ appears in the dative, functioning as an adverbial phrase or manner ('with the fist' or 'diligently'), denoting the manner or thoroughness of ritual washing performed by some Judeans. English translations often render the term as 'diligently,' or 'often,' but these can obscure the idiomatic sense present in Greek. There is some scholarly debate regarding whether the Markan usage denotes the cupped hand, the method, or an idiomatic expression for thoroughness. Outside biblical literature, πυγμή is attested from Homer onward chiefly in athletic or martial contexts, often referring to hand-to-hand fighting (e.g., boxing). The New Testament usage reflects a distinct ritual or idiomatic usage unique to Second Temple practice, not adequately captured by the typical translation 'oft.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a primary (the fist as a weapon); the clenched hand, i.e. (only in dative case as adverb) with the fist (hard scrubbing):--oft.
Root Family
πυγμ- (pygmḗ) — fist, closed hand, to strike
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4435-01 |
πυγμῇ | pugme | N DAT F SG |
with the fist | with a clenched fist | with a clenched fist | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4435-01 |
Mark 7:3 | πυγμῇ | pugme | N DAT F SG |
with the fist | with a clenched fist | with a clenched fist |