ψηλαφάω (G5584) — Greek Lexicon

ψηλαφάω

psēlapháō

G5584 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To feel or touch by using the hands, especially in order to examine, explore, or ascertain the state or reality of something by tactile contact. In some contexts, to grope or search for something by touch, often in darkness or uncertainty. Figuratively, it can indicate an attempt to discover or determine something that is not immediately clear, as in seeking for knowledge or truth without clear guidance.

Semantic Range

to touch with the hands; to feel or handle to examine; to grope or search for by touch (in darkness or uncertainty); to attempt to ascertain or confirm by tactile exploration; metaphorically, to search tentatively for knowledge or truth

Root / Etymology

Related to the root ψηλαφ- (psēlaph-), possibly connected to ψάλλω (to pluck, to pull), though the precise etymology is uncertain. The verb signifies tactile examination or searching by hand, and may be an onomatopoeic formation reflecting the sound or sensation of touching or groping.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek literature, ψηλαφάω commonly describes a physical action: the act of feeling or testing objects with the hands, especially to confirm their reality, texture, or quality (e.g., Plato, Xenophon). In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the LXX and New Testament, the usage broadens. In Luke 24:39 and 1 John 1:1, the term specifically denotes the tactile verification of a physical body—such as verifying the risen Jesus by touch. In Acts 17:27, the meaning is metaphorical, 'to grope after' or 'seek tentatively,' illustrating an uncertain or incomplete search (here, for the divine). Standard English translations often render as 'touch,' 'handle,' or 'feel,' but may not always convey the underlying sense of exploratory or searching contact. The term is distinct from ἅπτομαι (hapto) 'to touch' in that it implies more deliberate, investigative movement rather than simple or incidental contact. Classical and Koine usage indicate both literal and figurative senses, but the sense of 'groping about' often conveys a lack or need of sight, certainty, or understanding.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of ψάλλω (compare ψῆφος); to manipulate, i.e. verify by contact; figuratively, to search for:--feel after, handle, touch.

Root Family

ψηλαφάω (psēlapháō) — to touch, to feel, to grope

Root ψηλαφ- to touch, to feel, to grope

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5584-02`	ψηλαφήσατέ	pselaphesate	`V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL`	handle	Feel for yourselves	feel for yourselves	1
`G5584-03`	ψηλαφήσειαν	pselapheseian	`V AOR ACT OPT 3P PL`	they might feel after	they might grope	they might feel after	1
`G5584-04`	ψηλαφωμένῳ	pselaphomeno	`V PRS PASS PTCP DAT N SG`	that might be touched	to a being-touched thing	to a tangible thing	1
`G5584-01`	ἐψηλάφησαν	epselaphesan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	have handled	they groped	touched	1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5584-02`	Luke 24:39	ψηλαφήσατέ	pselaphesate	`V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL`	handle	Feel for yourselves	feel for yourselves
`G5584-03`	Acts 17:27	ψηλαφήσειαν	pselapheseian	`V AOR ACT OPT 3P PL`	they might feel after	they might grope	they might feel after
`G5584-04`	Hebrews 12:18	ψηλαφωμένῳ	pselaphomeno	`V PRS PASS PTCP DAT N SG`	that might be touched	to a being-touched thing	to a tangible thing
`G5584-01`	1 John 1:1	ἐψηλάφησαν	epselaphesan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	have handled	they groped	touched

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