σφυρόν

σφυρόν

the ankle bone

Definition

The Greek word σφυρόν (sphyron) specifically refers to the ankle bone or ankle joint. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Acts 3:7, it describes the anatomical part that was healed when Peter, in the name of Jesus Christ, took the lame man by the right hand and raised him up. The term denotes the precise point of physical infirmity that was miraculously strengthened. No other biblical passages use this word, so its meaning remains consistent and anatomical.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 3:7, within the narrative of Peter healing a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. The context is a specific, miraculous physical healing. The usage is straightforward and descriptive, pinpointing the exact location (the ankles) that received strength.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root σφυρόν, it is a primary noun referring to the ankle or ankle-bone. It is related to the verb σφύρα (sphyra), meaning 'hammer', possibly due to the hammer-like shape of the ankle bone or the pounding motion of walking. The word is used in classical Greek medical and anatomical writings.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is an anatomical term, its theological significance lies entirely in its narrative context in Acts 3. The healing of the 'ankles' is the tangible, physical evidence of the apostolic power and healing authority vested in the name of Jesus Christ. It underscores the reality and specificity of miraculous New Testament healings, demonstrating Christ's compassion and power continuing through his apostles to restore wholeness, which becomes a catalyst for Peter's evangelistic sermon. In the ancient world, a person with crippled ankles was often relegated to begging, as seen in Acts 3:2, having no means of livelihood or social mobility. The healing of this specific body part meant the restoration of not just physical mobility, but also social and economic participation. The detailed mention of the 'ankles' grounds the miracle in a verifiable, physical reality important to the original audience. πούς (pous, G4228) — a more general term for the foot. σφυρόν specifies the ankle joint, while πούς refers to the entire foot.

Word Details