θιγγάνω (thinganō)
thinganō
to touch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb thigganō means to touch or handle something physically. It appears only three times in the New Testament, with two occurrences in Hebrews and one in Colossians. In these texts, it describes a direct physical contact, such as handling an object or touching a person.
Its meaning extends beyond simple contact to include causing injury or harm. This dual sense is evident in Hebrews 11:28, where Moses is said to have endured because he saw Him who is invisible, and the context implies enduring hardship or injury without being harmed by it. In Colossians 2:21, it is used in a negative command against touching things that are meant to perish, highlighting its use for physical interaction with material objects.
The word’s root suggests a prolonged form of an obsolete primary verb meaning to finger or touch. This etymology underscores the tangible, concrete nature of the action. Translators typically render it as "touch" or "handle," capturing both the act of contact and its potential consequences. The rarity of the word in Scripture emphasizes the significance of these specific instances where physical interaction is central to the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thinganō simply means to touch or handle something physically. It appears only three times in the New Testament, making it a rare and specific term. When Scripture uses this verb, it is describing direct, tangible contact with a person or object. This concreteness reminds us that our faith is not just abstract ideas but involves real life, real choices, and real consequences.
In Colossians 2:21, Paul warns against rules like “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch.” He shows that relying on physical restrictions to gain spiritual strength misses the point. True holiness comes from trusting Christ, not from avoiding certain materials or rituals. This frees us from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor through external discipline.
Similarly, in Hebrews 12:20, the fear of touching Mount Sinai highlights the seriousness of approaching God with reverence. Yet Hebrews 11:28 shows Moses enduring hardship without being harmed by the destroyer. These examples invite us to find our security not in avoiding danger or following strict rules, but in faith that sees the invisible God and trusts His protection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you may touch!1×
- shall touch1×
- may touch1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θίγῃ2×
- θίγῃς·1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 2:21
“Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch”
This verse uses the word to list physical restrictions that Paul rejects as ineffective for spiritual growth, emphasizing reliance on Christ instead.
-
Hebrews 11:28
By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.
Here the word describes the destructive power of the plague, which Moses’ faith helped the Israelites avoid through obedience.
-
Hebrews 12:20
for they could not stand that which was commanded, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned”.
The term illustrates the terrifying holiness of God’s presence at Sinai, where even accidental contact with the mountain brought death.