ἧλος
a nail
Definition
The Greek word ἧλος (ēlos) refers specifically to a nail, typically a large iron nail used in construction or crucifixion. In its sole New Testament occurrence in John 20:25, it denotes the nails used to fasten Jesus to the cross, as Thomas declares he must see the mark of the nails in Jesus' hands. While the word itself simply means 'nail,' its biblical context gives it a profound association with the instrument of crucifixion. No other nuanced meanings or uses are attested for this term in the biblical corpus.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in John 20:25. Here, the disciple Thomas, expressing his doubt about Jesus' resurrection, says he must see 'the mark of the nails' (τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων) in Jesus' hands. Its usage is entirely literal, referring to the physical objects used in the crucifixion, and it appears in a narrative context emphasizing physical proof of the resurrection.
Etymology
The word ἧλος (ēlos) is a native Greek noun of uncertain deeper origin. It is not derived from a more basic verb or root within Greek. It simply means 'nail' or 'spike' and was a standard term in the language for this common object.
Semantic Range
Though a simple noun, ἧλος carries significant theological weight due to its single, crucial context. It points directly to the physical reality and brutality of Christ's crucifixion. Understanding this term grounds the resurrection account in John 20 in tangible history—the risen Jesus bore the specific wounds inflicted by these nails. This enriches reading by highlighting how the disciples' faith was confronted with, and confirmed by, the physical evidence of the crucifixion and resurrection.
In the 1st-century Roman world, large iron nails (ἧλοι) were common tools in woodworking and construction. Their most infamous use, however, was in crucifixion, a widespread form of Roman capital punishment. The nails referenced in John 20:25 would have been substantial spikes, likely 5-7 inches long, driven through the wrists (often termed 'hands' in antiquity) and feet. This cultural reality underscores the severe physical suffering Jesus endured.
There are no direct synonyms for 'nail' in the context of crucifixion. Other words for fasteners, like πάσσαλος (passalos, G????) for a peg or stake, are not used in the New Testament and do not carry the same specific connotation.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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