(Aramaic) corresponding to בֶּרֶךְ; {a knee}; knee.
Transliteration:berek
Pronunciation:beh'-rek
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun `{{H1291}}` (berek) precisely denotes the "knee," a joint in the human leg. It serves as the direct Aramaic equivalent to the more frequently occurring Hebrew term `{{H1290}}` (berek), which carries the identical meaning. The semantic range of `{{H1291}}` is primarily literal, referring to the physical anatomical structure. However, its profound significance emerges from its association with the verbal root `{{H1288}}` (barak), "to kneel" or "to bless." The physical act of kneeling, facilitated by the knee, is intrinsically linked to postures of submission, reverence, worship, and the reception or bestowal of blessing. Thus, while literally a body part, `{{H1291}}` implicitly carries the weight of these actions and their spiritual implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, `{{H1291}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically within the Book of Daniel. Its occurrences are limited but highly significant:
* **[[Daniel 6:10]]:** "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he knelt upon his **knees** three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." Here, `{{H1291}}` describes Daniel's habitual posture of prayer. Despite the life-threatening decree forbidding prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel deliberately and publicly assumes a position of humility and devotion before Yahweh. The act of kneeling signifies his unwavering faith, his direct appeal to God, and his refusal to compromise his spiritual allegiance. It is an act of profound reverence and submission to divine authority over human decree.
* **[[Daniel 6:11]]:** "Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, that no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." In this verse, `{{H1291}}` again refers to Daniel's knees as he is observed in prayer. This repetition underscores the consistent and observable nature of Daniel's devotion. His kneeling is not a private, hidden act, but a public testimony to his faith, even in the face of extreme persecution. The act of kneeling here is a direct challenge to the king's authority, not out of rebellion, but out of a higher loyalty to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H1291}}` is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **`{{H1290}}` (berek):** The Hebrew cognate, meaning "knee," which appears more frequently throughout the Old Testament. Its usage often reinforces the concept of bowing or kneeling in worship, submission, or exhaustion ([[Judges 7:5-6]], [[1 Kings 19:18]], [[Isaiah 45:23]]).
* **`{{H1288}}` (barak):** The foundational verbal root, meaning "to kneel" or "to bless." This connection is pivotal. The act of kneeling (`{{H1288}}`) is the physical expression associated with the "knee" (`{{H1291}}`/`{{H1290}}`). Furthermore, the concept of "blessing" is derived from this root, suggesting that one kneels to receive a blessing from a superior (God) or to bestow a blessing (as a priestly act). The knee, as the point of bending, thus becomes a symbol of humility and dependence.
* **`{{G1119}}` (gonu):** The Greek equivalent for "knee" in the New Testament. This term carries forward the theological implications of kneeling in prayer and submission, most notably in the declaration of universal submission to Christ: "that at the name of Jesus every **knee** should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([[Philippians 2:10]]). This echoes the Old Testament prophecy in [[Isaiah 45:23]].
* **Concepts of Humility, Submission, and Worship:** The knee is the quintessential symbol of these spiritual postures. To kneel is to humble oneself, to acknowledge a superior authority, and to offer reverence. This physical act embodies an inner spiritual disposition of dependence and adoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1291}}` extends beyond its literal meaning, embodying profound spiritual truths:
* **Posture of Reverence and Prayer:** The knee is the physical nexus for acts of worship and supplication. Daniel's consistent kneeling in prayer (as seen in [[Daniel 6:10]] and [[Daniel 6:11]]) exemplifies a deep-seated reverence and intimate relationship with God. It underscores the importance of physical posture reflecting an internal spiritual state of humility and earnestness before the Almighty.
* **Submission to Divine Sovereignty:** Kneeling is an act of acknowledging a higher power and submitting to its authority. Daniel's refusal to bow to the king's decree, choosing instead to kneel before God, highlights the ultimate sovereignty of Yahweh over all earthly rulers and laws. This act of kneeling becomes a declaration of allegiance to God alone.
* **Source of Blessing and Dependence:** The etymological link to `{{H1288}}` (to bless) suggests that the knee is associated with the reception of divine favor. One kneels in dependence, seeking blessing, or in gratitude for blessings received. It signifies a recognition that all true blessing flows from God.
* **Universal Acknowledgment of God's Authority:** The prophetic vision of every knee bowing, first articulated in [[Isaiah 45:23]] and later affirmed in [[Philippians 2:10]], elevates the act of kneeling to a universal, eschatological truth. It signifies the ultimate, undeniable authority of God (and Christ) to which all creation will eventually submit. The Aramaic `{{H1291}}` in Daniel thus prefigures this grand, universal act of worship and submission.
### Summary
`{{H1291}}` (berek) is an Aramaic term for "knee," mirroring its Hebrew counterpart `{{H1290}}`. While literally denoting a body part, its theological weight is immense due to its intrinsic connection to the verb `{{H1288}}`, "to kneel" or "to bless." In the Book of Daniel, `{{H1291}}` vividly portrays Daniel's unwavering devotion, as he consistently kneels in prayer, embodying humility, reverence, and profound submission to God's ultimate authority, even in the face of death ([[Daniel 6:10]], [[Daniel 6:11]]). This physical posture signifies an internal spiritual state of dependence and worship. Ultimately, the "knee" symbolizes the universal acknowledgment of divine sovereignty, anticipating the future reality where every knee will bow before the Lord, a testament to God's supreme power and ultimate glory.
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