The Greek haptó in its active form means to fasten, to bind, or to kindle (fire). In its middle voice (haptomai) it means to touch, to cling to, or to make contact with. Both meanings appear in the New Testament.
Haptó is used actively for lighting a lamp or fire (Luke 8:16; 15:8). In the middle voice haptomai it describes the touching of Jesus — by those seeking healing (Matthew 8:3; 14:36), by Jesus in healing (Mark 1:41), and by Mary Magdalene at the resurrection when Jesus says 'Do not touch (mé mou haptou) me' (John 20:17). The range of meaning from 'kindle' to 'touch' suggests a common root idea of connection — whether fire catching hold of wood or a hand making contact with a person. Jesus' willingness to be touched by the unclean and untouchable is itself a theological statement.