from an unused root meaning to clothe; the shoulder (proper, i.e. upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anything; arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kâthêph**, represented by `{{H3802}}`, primarily refers to the **shoulder**. It appears 67 times across 58 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends from the literal upper end of the arm where garments hang, to figurative uses describing a side-piece, corner, or lateral projection of an object or a geographical border.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3802}}` is used in several key contexts. Literally, it denotes the act of bearing weight and responsibility, as when the Levites were commanded to bear the ark of God upon their **shoulders** ([[Numbers 7:9]], [[1 Chronicles 15:15]]). Figuratively, it represents stubborn rebellion, as seen when Israel "withdrew the **shoulder**" and refused to hearken to God's law ([[Nehemiah 9:29]], [[Zechariah 7:11]]). The word is also frequently used in a geographical or architectural sense, defining the **side** of a border, such as the **side** of Jebusi [[Joshua 15:8]], or the **corner** of the temple [[2 Kings 11:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the anatomical and figurative concepts associated with the shoulder:
* `{{H7929}}` **shikmâh** (shoulder blade): This term for the shoulder bone is used in parallel with `{{H3802}}` to describe the entire shoulder structure [[Job 31:22]].
* `{{H248}}` **ʼezrôwaʻ** (arm): Often associated with the shoulder, this word for the arm appears in conjunction with `{{H3802}}` to express the idea of physical strength and action [[Job 31:22]].
* `{{H6203}}` **ʻôreph** (neck): The hardening of the **neck** is mentioned alongside the withdrawing of the **shoulder** to describe an attitude of defiance and refusal to submit [[Nehemiah 9:29]].
* `{{H5445}}` **çâbal** (to carry): This verb is functionally linked to the shoulder, as idols are described as being borne upon the **shoulder** and then **carried** [[Isaiah 46:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3802}}` is significant, illustrating concepts of divine service, human rebellion, and God's protection.
* **Bearing Sacred Duty:** The **shoulder** is the designated point of contact for bearing the most sacred objects, such as the ark of the covenant [[Numbers 7:9]]. Aaron is instructed to bear the names of the children of Israel on his two **shoulders** as a memorial before the LORD, symbolizing his priestly responsibility [[Exodus 28:12]].
* **Symbol of Stubbornness:** The act of pulling away or withdrawing the **shoulder** serves as a potent metaphor for rejecting God's commandments and refusing to bear the yoke of His law ([[Nehemiah 9:29]], [[Zechariah 7:11]]).
* **A Place of Divine Protection:** In a tender depiction of God's relationship with His people, Benjamin, the "beloved of the LORD," is said to dwell safely between God's **shoulders**, signifying a place of ultimate security and favor [[Deuteronomy 33:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3802}}` is a versatile term that moves from a simple anatomical reference to a word rich with theological meaning. It can represent the physical strength required to carry a burden, like Samson with the gates of Gaza [[Judges 16:3]], or the spiritual strength needed to fulfill a sacred duty. Figuratively, the position of the **shoulder**—whether submitted to a burden or defiantly turned away—reveals the heart's posture toward God's authority.
TRV