Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "pinnacle" in the Bible is most notably associated with the account of Jesus' temptation by Satan, as recorded in the Gospels. The word "pinnacle" refers to a high point or peak, often of a building or structure. In the context of the biblical narrative, it is understood to be a part of the Temple in Jerusalem.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to the pinnacle is found in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, where Satan tempts Jesus during His time in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:5-6 , the account reads: "Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. 'If You are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw Yourself down. For it is written: "He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone."'" Similarly, in Luke 4:9-11 , the narrative is recounted: "Then the devil led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. 'If You are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: "He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully; and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone."'" Historical and Architectural Context: The "pinnacle of the temple" is traditionally understood to refer to a high point on the Temple complex in Jerusalem. The exact location is not specified in the biblical text, but it is often thought to be the southeastern corner of the Temple Mount, which overlooks the Kidron Valley. This location would have been a significant height, making the temptation a dramatic test of faith and divine protection. The Temple in Jerusalem, originally built by Solomon and later reconstructed by Herod the Great, was a central place of worship and a symbol of Jewish faith and identity. The grandeur and architectural prominence of the Temple made it a fitting setting for the devil's challenge to Jesus. Theological Significance: The temptation at the pinnacle of the temple is rich with theological implications. It highlights the nature of Jesus' mission and His reliance on God's word rather than succumbing to the devil's provocations. By refusing to test God, Jesus exemplifies perfect obedience and trust in the Father, setting a model for believers to resist temptation through faith and Scripture. Satan's misuse of Scripture in this temptation underscores the importance of understanding and applying God's word correctly. Jesus' response, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test," emphasizes the necessity of interpreting Scripture within the context of God's overall revelation and purpose. Symbolic Interpretation: In a broader symbolic sense, the pinnacle represents moments of decision and testing in the believer's life. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by Christians and the need for reliance on God's truth and strength. The account of Jesus' temptation at the pinnacle encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's promises and protection. Easton's Bible Dictionary A little wing, (Matthew 4:5; Luke 4:9). On the southern side of the temple court was a range of porches or cloisters forming three arcades. At the south-eastern corner the roof of this cloister was some 300 feet above the Kidron valley. The pinnacle, some parapet or wing-like projection, was above this roof, and hence at a great height, probably 350 feet or more above the valley. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The topmost point; the peak of a structure or mountain; an architectural member, upright, and generally ending in a small spire, -- used to finish a buttress, to constitute a part in a proportion, as where pinnacles flank a gable or spire, and the like. Pinnacles may be considered primarily as added weight, where it is necessary to resist the thrust of an arch, etc.2. (n.) Anything resembling a pinnacle; a lofty peak; a pointed summit. 3. (v. t.) To build or furnish with a pinnacle or pinnacles. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PINNACLEpin'-a-k'-l (pterugion (Matthew 4:5 Luke 4:9, the Revised Version margin "wing")) "The pinnacle of the temple" is named as the place to which the devil took Jesus, and there tempted Him to cast Himself down. It is not known what precise elevated spot is meant, whether a part of the roof of the temple itself, or some high point in the adjacent buildings overlooking the deep ravine. It was more probably the latter. Greek 4419. pterugion -- a little wing, hence (anything like a wing) a ... ... Word Origin dim. of pterux Definition a little wing, hence (anything like a wing) a battlement NASB Word Usage pinnacle (2). pinnacle. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4419.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 8571. tenuk -- tip or lobe (of the ear)... pinnacle. Perhaps from the same as 'anak through the idea of protraction; a pinnacle, ie Extremity -- tip. see HEBREW 'anak. 8570, 8571. tenuk. 8572 . ... /hebrew/8571.htm - 6k 3671. kanaph -- wing, extremity 6438. pinnah -- a corner Library The Pinnacle of the Temple. Whether the Mode and Order of the Temptation were Becoming? The Evolution of a Mother D. The Temptation of Jesus. Ch. 4:1-13 Of the Times of Christ's Birth and Passion, and of Jerusalem's ... Introduction The Martyrdom of James, who was Called the Brother of the Lord. The Temptation of Christ The Tabernacle of the Most High Preach the Gospel Thesaurus Pinnacle (2 Occurrences)... The pinnacle, some parapet or wing-like projection, was above this roof, and hence at a great height, probably 350 feet or more above the valley. ...PINNACLE. ... /p/pinnacle.htm - 8k Knop (4 Occurrences) Needle (4 Occurrences) Led (260 Occurrences) Taketh (398 Occurrences) Thyself (352 Occurrences) Devil (58 Occurrences) Pinions (5 Occurrences) Pinnacles (2 Occurrences) Setteth (116 Occurrences) Resources Does the Bible record the death of the apostles? How did each of the apostles die? | GotQuestions.orgIn what ways is the Christian life like the Olympics? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of life? | GotQuestions.org Pinnacle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pinnacle (2 Occurrences)Matthew 4:5 Luke 4:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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