### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **skélos**, represented by `{{G4628}}`, is defined as the **leg**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term's origin is apparently from a word meaning to parch, suggesting the idea of leanness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G4628}}` is exclusively found in the account of Jesus' crucifixion. The Jews `{{G2453}}` requested from Pilate `{{G4091}}` that the **legs** of the crucified men be broken `{{G2608}}` to ensure their bodies `{{G4983}}` would not remain `{{G3306}}` on the cross `{{G4716}}` during a special sabbath day `{{G4521}}` [[John 19:31]]. Following this, soldiers `{{G4757}}` came `{{G2064}}` and broke the **legs** of the two men crucified with `{{G4957}}` Jesus `{{G2424}}` [[John 19:32]]. However, when they came to Jesus and saw `{{G1492}}` He was already `{{G2235}}` dead `{{G2348}}`, they did not break His **legs** [[John 19:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the use of `{{G4628}}`:
* `{{G2608}}` **katágnymi** (break): This verb, meaning "to rend in pieces, i.e. crack apart," is directly linked to `{{G4628}}` in the narrative, as the soldiers were instructed to **break** the legs of the crucified men [[John 19:31]].
* `{{G4716}}` **staurós** (cross): This word defines the setting for the events involving `{{G4628}}`, referring to the **cross** as an instrument of capital punishment upon which the bodies were not to remain [[John 19:31]].
* `{{G4983}}` **sōma** (body): The request to break the legs was made so that the **bodies** would not remain on the cross. This term, which can mean body or slave, highlights the physical reality of the crucifixion scene [[John 19:31]].
### Theological Significance
While a simple anatomical term, the narrative context of `{{G4628}}` carries significant weight.
* **A Sign of Haste:** The request to break the **legs** was driven by the Jews' desire to have the bodies taken away `{{G142}}` before the start of an high `{{G3173}}` sabbath day `{{G4521}}`, as it was the day of preparation `{{G3904}}` [[John 19:31]].
* **Confirmation of Death:** The decision by the soldiers `{{G4757}}` not to break Jesus's **legs** was based on their direct observation `{{G1492}}` that He was already dead `{{G2348}}`. This lack of action serves as an official confirmation of Christ's death [[John 19:33]].
* **A Point of Distinction:** While the men crucified with `{{G4957}}` Jesus endured the breaking of their **legs** `{{G4628}}`, Jesus did not. This distinction underscores the unique circumstances of His death as recorded in the gospel narrative [[John 19:32-33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4628}}` is a highly specific term used exclusively within the context of the crucifixion. While the word itself simply means **leg**, its importance is derived from the events surrounding it. The breaking of the **legs** was a brutal measure to hasten death, but the fact that Jesus's **legs** were not broken served as a powerful testament by the Roman soldiers to the reality of His death on the cross `{{G4716}}`. Thus, the word is integral to a key moment confirming the completion of Christ's sacrifice.
TRV