Greek · G1869, G4418 · unreviewed

ἐπῆρεν τὴν πτέρναν

To raise up (literally or figuratively) · the heel (figuratively)

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

Words in this compound — expand to study each participant

ἐπαίρω G1869 to raise up (literally or figuratively)
Pronunciation epaírō
Lift up physically or metaphorically; can mean becoming arrogant or prideful when used passively.
Open lexicon entry →
πτέρνα G4418 the heel (figuratively)
Pronunciation ptérna
Heel as the vulnerable point of the body; figuratively, treachery or betrayal through close association.
Open lexicon entry →

What does ἐπῆρεν τὴν πτέρναν (epēren tēn pternan) mean in the Bible?

ἐπαίρω · πτέρνα is a Greek word meaning "lift the heel against, turn treacherously".

Full entry for ἐπῆρεν τὴν πτέρναν (G1869, G4418) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

lift the heel against, turn treacherously
Grammatical Forms

How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.

Tenses
Aorist Present
Voices
Active Passive Middle
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 10×
Aorist Active Luke 6:20 · Luke 16:23 · Luke 24:50 · John 6:5 · John 17:1 · Matt 17:8 · Acts 27:40 · Luke 11:27
Present Middle 2 Cor 10:5
Present Active 1 Tim 2:8
Imperative command or strong request
Aorist Active Luke 21:28 · John 4:35
Indicative states a fact or reality
Aorist Active John 13:18 · Acts 2:14 · Acts 14:11 · Acts 22:22
Aorist Passive Acts 1:9
Present Middle 2 Cor 11:20
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract
Aorist Active Luke 18:13
Discourse Aspect

How this verb appears across 19 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).

Aspect
completed 5 ongoing 1 imperative 2 infinitive 1 participle 10
Tense
aorist 16 present 3
Voice
active 16 middle 2 passive 1
Mood
participle 10 indicative 6 imperative 2 infinitive 1

Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.

Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources