### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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