### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H1290 (בֶּרֶךְ, transliterated *berek*) primarily designates the "knee," a specific anatomical joint in the human or animal body. Its base definition is straightforward: "a knee." The term is directly derived from the verbal root H1288 (בָרַךְ, *barak*), which carries the core meanings "to bless" and, significantly, "to kneel" or "to bow down." This etymological connection is crucial, as it imbues the physical noun "knee" with a rich semantic potential beyond mere anatomy. While its literal range is narrow, its usage often carries metaphorical or symbolic weight, particularly in contexts of reverence, submission, or physical states.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H1290 appears approximately 35 times in the Old Testament, predominantly referring to the literal knee.
* In [[Genesis 30:3]], Rachel's "knees" are mentioned in the context of adoption, where children were placed on the knees, symbolizing legitimate lineage and acceptance into the family.
* [[Judges 7:5-6]] describes Gideon's selection of soldiers based on how they knelt to drink water, illustrating the physical action of the knee.
* The prophet Elijah's posture of intense prayer in [[1 Kings 18:42]] involves him bowing down with his face between his "knees," signifying deep humility and earnest supplication.
* [[Job 4:4]] uses the phrase "strengthened feeble knees," metaphorically referring to providing encouragement and support to those who are weak or despairing. Conversely, [[Psalm 109:24]] speaks of "my knees are weak through fasting," indicating physical exhaustion and debilitation.
* One of the most profound occurrences is in [[Isaiah 45:23]], where YHWH declares, "To Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." Here, "knee" stands metonymically for the entire person, signifying universal submission and worship to God. This prophetic declaration transcends a mere physical action, pointing to a compelled or willing acknowledgment of divine sovereignty. The context of this verse emphasizes God's unique identity as the only Savior and righteous God.
Across these contexts, while H1290 always denotes the physical joint, its significance is often derived from the actions performed by or associated with the knee—kneeling, bowing, or reflecting states of weakness or strength.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root H1288 (בָרַךְ, *barak*), from which H1290 is derived. This verb means "to bless," but critically also "to kneel" or "to bow." The physical act of kneeling (H1290) is intrinsically linked to the spiritual act of blessing or being blessed (H1288), suggesting that blessing often involves a posture of reverence and humility.
Other related concepts, though not directly etymologically linked, describe similar actions of reverence or submission:
* H6915 (קָדַד, *qadad*): To bow down, prostrate oneself.
* H7812 (שָׁחָה, *shachah*): To bow down, worship, prostrate oneself. This is a primary verb for acts of worshipful prostration, often involving the knees.
The concepts associated with the "knee" include:
* **Submission and Homage:** Kneeling is a universal sign of submitting to a superior authority.
* **Worship and Adoration:** It is a common posture for expressing reverence and adoration towards God.
* **Supplication and Prayer:** Kneeling denotes earnest entreaty and humility in prayer.
* **Weakness and Strength:** The state of one's knees can symbolize one's overall physical or emotional condition.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1290 is primarily derived from the actions and symbolic weight associated with the knee, particularly kneeling.
* **Humility and Submission to God:** Kneeling before God is a profound outward expression of inward humility and submission to His sovereign will. It acknowledges human dependence and God's ultimate authority. This posture visually represents the creature acknowledging the Creator.
* **Universal Worship and Divine Sovereignty:** The declaration in [[Isaiah 45:23]]—"every knee shall bow"—is a pivotal prophetic statement. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the eventual, inescapable recognition of His deity by all creation, whether willingly or under compulsion. This verse is famously quoted in the New Testament (e.g., [[Romans 14:11]], [[Philippians 2:10]]) and applied to Jesus Christ, thereby attributing to Him the same divine authority and ultimate homage due to YHWH. This Christological application highlights the profound theological continuity and the divine identity of Jesus.
* **Posture of Prayer and Supplication:** Kneeling is a deeply meaningful and traditional posture for prayer, signifying earnestness, reverence, and a humble appeal to God. It reflects a posture of dependence, trust, and intense engagement with the divine.
* **Physicality of Faith:** The very presence of the "knee" in scripture reminds us that our faith is not merely intellectual or spiritual; it is embodied. Our physical beings, including our knees, are to be employed in acts of worship, submission, and devotion to God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1290 (בֶּרֶךְ, *berek*) literally means "knee," but its theological depth is profoundly enriched by its derivation from H1288 (בָרַךְ, *barak*), "to kneel" and "to bless." The "knee" thus becomes a powerful symbol embodying humility, submission, worship, and earnest supplication. From the physical posture of intense prayer demonstrated by Elijah ([[1 Kings 18:42]]) to the sweeping prophetic declaration of universal homage to God in [[Isaiah 45:23]], the knee represents the entire person in an act of reverence and acknowledgment of divine authority. Its usage underscores that both a willing heart and a physical posture of humility are integral to worship, ultimately pointing to a future where all creation will acknowledge and submit to the supreme sovereignty of God.
TRV