אֶצְבַּע
𐤀𐤑𐤁𐤏
ʼetsbaʻ
H677 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A finger (of a human hand, or figuratively of a deity); by extension in some contexts, a toe (of a human or animal foot). The primary sense is that of the digit extending from the hand, used for pointing, grasping, writing, or performing specific actions. The term can be used both literally (physical finger or toe) and metaphorically (as in attributing intentional acts or craftsmanship to a deity or actor).
Semantic Range
finger; toe; digit (of hand or foot); figuratively, instrument of action, power, or skill (esp. ascribed to a deity)
Root / Etymology
From the root אצב (etsb), which may be related to the idea of 'grasping, seizing, or manipulating.' The form אֶצְבַּע is most commonly understood as a feminine singular noun derived from this root. Although its exact derivation is debated, it is generally linked with actions involving the digits (fingers or toes) used for gripping or manipulating objects.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, אֶצְבַּע refers most frequently to human fingers, but also appears in anthropomorphic descriptions of divine action ('the finger of God' as in Exodus 8:19; Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10). The term can refer to toes in contexts describing the anatomy of sacrificial animals (Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 8:23, 24). The distinction between finger and toe is made contextually; unlike in modern English, there is not a separate basic term for 'toe' in biblical Hebrew. Occasionally, as in Daniel 2:41–43 (in Aramaic), the plural אֶצְבְּעוֹת is explicitly used for toes. The word serves in symbolic or ritual contexts as well—for example, as the implement for anointing blood or oil in priestly rituals. English translations typically render the term 'finger' or 'toe' based on context, but may fail to reflect its broader semantic potential, especially in metaphorical or idiomatic usage. The term's usage does not appear to develop significantly over time, and remains relatively stable across pentateuchal, narrative, and prophetic books. In post-biblical Hebrew, more specific terminology for finger and toe emerged, but in biblical usage אֶצְבַּע covers both.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to אֶצְבַּע; {something to sieze with, i.e. a finger; by analogy, a toe}; finger, toe.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אצב (ʾ-ṣ-b) — to grasp, to seize, to manipulate
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H677-01 |
אֶצְבְּעָן֙ | etsebean | ANcfpa |
fingers | grasping digits | 1 |
H677-03 |
וְ/אֶצְבְּעָתָ֗/א | veetsebeata | AC/Ncfpd/Td |
and the toes | the grasping digits | 1 |
H677-02 |
וְ/אֶצְבְּעָת֙ | veetsebeat | AC/Ncfpc |
and-the-toes | and grasping-digits of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H677-03 |
Daniel 2:41 | וְ/אֶצְבְּעָתָ֗/א | veetsebeata | AC/Ncfpd/Td |
and the toes | the grasping digits |
H677-02 |
Daniel 2:42 | וְ/אֶצְבְּעָת֙ | veetsebeat | AC/Ncfpc |
and-the-toes | and grasping-digits of |
H677-01 |
Daniel 5:5 | אֶצְבְּעָן֙ | etsebean | ANcfpa |
fingers | grasping digits |