The Hebrew word lᵉchîy, represented by H3895, refers to the cheek or jaw-bone. It appears 21 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible. The term derives from an unused root meaning to be soft, connecting it to the fleshy part of the face, but it is also used for the harder bone structure of the jaw.
In biblical narratives, H3895 is used in several distinct ways. It is frequently associated with acts of insult and humiliation, as seen when individuals are smitten on the cheek in contexts of reproach (Job 16:10, Lamentations 3:30). The judge of Israel is struck on the cheek with a rod Micah 5:1, and a suffering figure gives his cheeks to those who would pluck out the hair Isaiah 50:6. The word is famously used as an instrument of war when Samson wields the jawbone of an ass to slay a thousand men Judges 15:15. In prophetic speech, it symbolizes a point of control, where God places a bridle Isaiah 30:28 or hooks Ezekiel 38:4 in the jaws to direct nations. In contrast, it can also denote beauty and affection, as when cheeks are described as comely Song of Solomon 1:10.
Several related words help illuminate the meaning of lᵉchîy:
- H5221 nâkâh (to strike): This verb is often paired with H3895, describing the physical act of smiting the cheek or cheek bone as a sign of judgment or contempt (Psalms 3:7, Micah 5:1, 1 Kings 22:24).
- H2543 chămôwr (a male ass): This word is intrinsically linked to H3895 in the story of Samson, who uses the jawbone of an ass as his weapon Judges 15:15-16.
- H2781 cherpâh (reproach): This concept is directly connected to being struck on the cheek, which is done "reproachfully" Job 16:10 and results in being "filled full with reproach" Lamentations 3:30.
- H2397 châch (hook): This term illustrates divine authority, where God places hooks into the jaws of powerful figures like Pharaoh or the armies of Gog to control and guide them (Ezekiel 29:4, Ezekiel 38:4).
The theological and figurative weight of H3895 is significant, often portraying the dynamics of humiliation, submission, and divine power.
- Site of Reproach and Suffering: The cheek is consistently portrayed as the target of insult and contempt. Being smitten on the cheek signifies deep humiliation Job 16:10. The messianic figure in Isaiah gives his cheeks to his tormentors, an image of willing submission to shame Isaiah 50:6, and Jerusalem is personified with tears on her cheeks Lamentations 1:2.
- Instrument of Divine Power: In the hands of Samson, a simple jawbone of an ass becomes a tool of God's spectacular judgment against Israel's enemies Judges 15:16. God also demonstrates His power to sustain by cleaving a hollow place in the jaw to provide water for a revived Samson Judges 15:19.
- Symbol of Divine Control: Figuratively, the jaws represent a point of mastery. God places a bridle in the jaws of the people to lead them into error as judgment Isaiah 30:28 and puts hooks in the jaws of kings and nations to turn them back according to His sovereign will (Ezekiel 29:4, Ezekiel 38:4).
In summary, H3895 lᵉchîy carries significant weight beyond its anatomical definition. It functions as a powerful symbol in Scripture, representing personal vulnerability and the sting of reproach Isaiah 50:6, as well as an unlikely instrument of divine power in the story of Samson Judges 15:17. Whether describing the comely cheeks of a beloved Song of Solomon 1:10 or the controlled jaws of a mighty nation Ezekiel 38:4, the word illustrates the intersection of human experience and divine sovereignty.
TRV