"the heel, Jn. 13:18*"
Definition and meaning
the heel, Jn. 13:18*
In the original Greek the word is written: πτέρνα
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of pterna (G4418) across the King James Bible.
I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
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Common questions
Strong's G4418 (pterna) is a Greek word that means: the heel, Jn. 13:18* It appears 1 times in the King James Bible.
The word pterna (G4418) appears 1 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4418 is pterna, a Greek word defined as: the heel, Jn. 13:18*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
pterna is a Greek word found in the New Testament.