probably from גּוּד; a thong (as compressing); by analogy, a tendon; sinew.
Transliteration:gîyd
Pronunciation:gheed
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1517 (גִּיד, *gîyd*) is understood to derive from the root גּוּד (*gûd*), which suggests a concept of pressing or compressing. Its primary meaning is "thong," referring to a narrow strip of material used for binding or fastening. By extension and analogy, it refers to "tendon" or "sinew"—the strong, fibrous connective tissues in the body that attach muscles to bones (tendons) or bones to other bones (ligaments, though *gîyd* specifically points to the muscle-to-bone connection). This semantic range thus encompasses the ideas of connection, structural integrity, strength, and the capacity for movement, often in the context of a binding or connecting function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1517 appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, but each occurrence is highly significant:
* **[[Genesis 32:32]]**: This is arguably the most famous instance, occurring in the narrative of Jacob's wrestling with God/an angel at Peniel. The text states that the "hollow of Jacob's thigh was touched, so that the sinew of his hip shrank" (*gîyd ha-nasheh*). This divine touch resulted in Jacob's limp, a permanent physical reminder of his encounter and transformation. The verse also records the subsequent dietary law for the Israelites, prohibiting the eating of this particular sinew. Here, *gîyd* represents a point of vulnerability and divine intervention, leading to a profound change in identity and practice.
* **[[Job 10:11]]**: In Job's lament, he acknowledges God's intricate creation of his own body: "You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews." Here, *gîyd* is presented as a fundamental component of the human physical structure, emphasizing God's meticulous and sovereign power as the Creator who skillfully forms and sustains life.
* **[[Job 40:17]]**: This verse describes Behemoth, a creature whose immense power is highlighted: "He makes his tail stiff like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are knit together." Similar to the previous usage in Job, *gîyd* here denotes strength and structural integrity, contributing to the awe-inspiring depiction of God's creation.
* **[[Ezekiel 37:6]] and [[Ezekiel 37:8]]**: These verses are central to the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones. God declares, "I will lay sinews on you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live." Subsequently, Ezekiel observes the bones coming together, "and sinews came upon them, and flesh came up, and skin covered them." In this powerful prophetic vision, *gîyd* is a crucial element in the re-creation and re-animation of the "dead" nation of Israel. It symbolizes the restoration of vital connections and the foundational structure necessary for life and renewed existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word H1517 is frequently found in contexts alongside other anatomical terms, underscoring its role in the physical body:
* `{{H6106}}` (עֶצֶם, *‘etsem*): "bone," often paired with sinews to describe the skeletal and muscular system.
* `{{H1320}}` (בָּשָׂר, *basar*): "flesh," representing the soft tissues of the body.
* `{{H5785}}` (עוֹר, *‘or*): "skin," the outermost covering.
These terms collectively paint a picture of the complete physical form. Beyond anatomy, *gîyd* relates to broader concepts such as:
* **Strength and Resilience:** As a component of muscular and skeletal systems, sinews are integral to physical power and endurance.
* **Connection and Unity:** Sinews bind disparate parts (muscles to bones), signifying the essential nature of internal cohesion.
* **Creation and Formation:** The word points to God's hand in forming living beings, from the individual to the collective.
* **Vulnerability and Weakness:** As seen in Jacob's limp, the sinew can be a point of divine touch that leads to physical limitation, which paradoxically can lead to spiritual strength.
* **Restoration and Revival:** In Ezekiel, gîyd is a key component in the miraculous return to life and national renewal.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1517 is profound, touching upon several core doctrines:
* **God as the Sovereign Creator and Sustainer:** The consistent portrayal of God "knitting" or "laying" sinews (Job, Ezekiel) highlights His intimate involvement in the formation and maintenance of all life. This underscores His omnipotence and meticulous design, from the smallest anatomical detail to the grandest act of re-creation.
* **Divine Encounter and Transformation:** Jacob's wrestling at Peniel (Genesis 32) provides a powerful metaphor for humanity's encounter with the divine. The touching of the "sinew of the hip" symbolizes a moment of profound spiritual and physical transformation. The resulting limp serves not as a curse, but as a permanent, humbling reminder of God's power and Jacob's new identity as "Israel"—one who has striven with God and prevailed. This vulnerability becomes a mark of divine favor and a testament to a life forever changed by God's presence.
* **National Revival and Spiritual Re-creation:** The vision of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37 uses the restoration of sinews as a critical step in bringing the "dead" nation of Israel back to life. This is a powerful theological statement about God's ability to restore hope, unity, and vitality to a people in despair and exile. It signifies not merely a physical resurrection but a spiritual and national renewal, demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness and His power to breathe life into seemingly impossible situations.
* **The Paradox of Strength and Weakness:** While sinews are essential for strength and movement, the narrative of Jacob demonstrates how a point of strength can become a point of divinely imposed weakness, leading to greater dependence on God. This paradox illustrates that true strength often emerges from acknowledging one's limitations and relying on divine power.
### Summary
H1517 (גִּיד, *gîyd*), meaning "thong," "tendon," or "sinew," is a word rich in theological implication despite its sparse occurrences. It fundamentally speaks to the concepts of connection, structural integrity, and strength within the physical body. Biblically, it serves as a powerful testament to God's intricate work as the Creator, meticulously forming and sustaining all life ([[Job 10:11]], [[Job 40:17]]). Moreover, gîyd features prominently in two pivotal narratives: the transformative divine encounter of Jacob, where the touching of his sinew signifies a permanent mark of vulnerability and new identity ([[Genesis 32:32]]), and the prophetic vision of Ezekiel, where the re-laying of sinews on dry bones symbolizes God's miraculous power to bring about national and spiritual revival ([[Ezekiel 37:6]], [[Ezekiel 37:8]]). Thus, *gîyd* encapsulates themes of divine creative power, the profound impact of God's touch on human life, and the promise of restoration and re-creation, even from the depths of despair.
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