### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G3382 (mērós), transliterated as "mērós," refers primarily and literally to the "thigh"—the part of the leg between the hip and the knee. As the Strong's definition suggests ("perhaps a primary word"), it is a fundamental term without complex etymological layers, directly denoting this anatomical region. In ancient contexts, the thigh was understood as a locus of physical strength, stability, and often associated with the loins, thereby implicitly connected to procreative power and lineage. It was also the customary place where a sword or weapon would be girded, symbolizing military might and the capacity for judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G3382 (mērós) appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly significant eschatological context:
* **[[Revelation 19:16]]**: "On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
* This solitary occurrence describes the returning Christ, depicted as a triumphant warrior-king. The inscription of His supreme title, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS," is placed not only on His outer garment but also prominently on His thigh.
* The placement on the thigh is particularly symbolic. For a rider, the thigh is a powerful, visible, and central part of the body, especially when seated on a horse. It is the point of stability and control.
* This location emphasizes the absolute, undeniable, and publicly displayed authority of Christ. It is a declaration of His universal dominion, not merely a title, but a manifest reality embodied in His very being. The thigh, as a place of strength and where a sword was worn, further underscores His power to execute judgment and reign.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G3382 itself has a narrow semantic range and singular New Testament usage, its conceptual associations resonate with broader biblical themes:
* **Hebrew Equivalents:**
* `{{H3409}}` (yarek): This is the most common Hebrew term for "thigh" or "loins" in the Old Testament. It frequently appears in contexts related to procreation and lineage, as descendants are said to "come from the thigh" (e.g., [[Genesis 46:26]]). It is also used in the solemn act of swearing an oath by placing a hand under the thigh (e.g., Abraham and Eleazar in [[Genesis 24:2]], Jacob and Joseph in [[Genesis 47:29]]), likely due to its association with the source of life and the sacredness of covenant.
* `{{H4975}}` (matnayim): "Loins," often used in parallel with or interchangeably with "thigh" to denote the seat of strength, physical vitality, or the source of offspring.
* **Concepts:**
* **Strength and Power:** The thigh is a primary muscle group for movement, stability, and exertion. In biblical thought, it often signifies physical might and capability.
* **Authority and Dominion:** As seen in [[Revelation 19:16]], the thigh's prominence and association with strength make it a fitting place for a declaration of ultimate sovereignty.
* **Procreation and Lineage:** Though not directly in the New Testament usage of G3382, the Old Testament connection of the thigh to the "loins" highlights its role as the source of descendants and the continuation of a family line.
* **Judgment and Warfare:** The thigh was the place where a warrior would gird his sword, a symbol of readiness for battle and the execution of justice. This aligns with the imagery of Christ as the divine warrior in Revelation.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of G3382 (mērós) in [[Revelation 19:16]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful visual and symbolic declaration of Christ's absolute and unchallengeable authority. The inscription "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" on His thigh signifies:
* **Embodied Sovereignty:** Christ's kingship is not merely a title but is intrinsically linked to His very being and power. The thigh, as a locus of physical strength and stability, underscores that His dominion is active, potent, and fully embodied.
* **Public and Undeniable Authority:** The placement of the name on a visible part of the body, especially for a rider, ensures that His supreme authority is openly proclaimed and undeniable to all who witness His return. It is a triumphant display of His ultimate victory over all opposing powers.
* **Contrast with Human Frailty:** While the Old Testament sometimes depicts the thigh in contexts of human vulnerability or the source of a limited lineage (e.g., Jacob's hip being wrenched in [[Genesis 32:25]]), Christ's thigh bears the mark of divine, invincible power, signifying His eternal and limitless reign.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** This imagery resonates with Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would reign with ultimate power and justice.
### Summary
The Greek word G3382 (mērós) denotes the "thigh." While its anatomical meaning is straightforward, its single occurrence in the New Testament, specifically [[Revelation 19:16]], imbues it with profound theological significance. There, the inscription "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" on Christ's thigh powerfully symbolizes His ultimate, embodied, and publicly declared authority and dominion over all creation. This placement highlights the thigh as a locus of strength, stability, and a visible platform for the manifestation of His unparalleled sovereignty, drawing on ancient cultural associations of the thigh with power, lineage, and the girding of a sword.
TRV