Finger
“Finger”
Summary
Besides its literal meaning, used in Scripture to denote the direct personal agency or power of God, and as a small unit of linear measure.
☩The Finger of God
The phrase 'finger of God' denotes His special and immediate agency. The Egyptian magicians, recognizing supernatural power beyond their ability, declared 'This is the finger of God' (Exodus 8:19). Moses received the tables of the law 'written with the finger of God' (Exodus 31:18), indicating God's direct, personal authorship. The heavens are 'the work of thy fingers,' expressing God's creative power (Psalm 8:3). Christ declared He cast out demons 'by the finger of God' (Luke 11:20), synonymous with 'by the Spirit of God.'
☩Figurative Uses
Rehoboam's boast that his 'little finger' would be thicker than his father's loins (1 Kings 12:10) figuratively expressed that his lightest punishment would exceed Solomon's heaviest. 'Putting forth the finger' was a bantering, insulting gesture condemned by Isaiah (Isaiah 58:9). The command to bind God's law 'upon thy fingers' (Proverbs 7:3) meant keeping it constantly in mind, as precious as rings on the fingers. Dipping one's finger in water (Luke 16:24) expressed the smallest measure of relief.
☩As a Measure
The finger (Hebrew: etsba) was used as a linear measure, equal to one finger-breadth or one-fourth of a handbreadth (palm). This amounted to approximately 18.6 millimeters or about three-quarters of an inch. It is mentioned as a measurement in Jeremiah 52:21, describing the thickness of the bronze pillars of the temple.
Related Verses39 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Finger," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Finger (1)," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Richard Watson, "Finger," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).