from an unused root meaning to be soft; the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone; cheek (bone), jaw (bone).
Transliteration:lᵉchîy
Pronunciation:lekh-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term לְחִי (lᵉchîy), Strong's number `{{H3895}}`, derives from an unused root signifying "to be soft." This etymological root illuminates its primary meaning: the "cheek," specifically referring to the fleshy part of the face. From this foundational sense, its semantic range extends to encompass the "jaw-bone," as the jaw provides the underlying structure for the cheek and is intrinsically linked to it in both anatomy and function. Thus, lᵉchîy can denote either the soft, visible part of the face or the hard, bony structure beneath, depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of lᵉchîy in the Hebrew Bible highlight its dual meaning and varied contexts:
* **The Jawbone as a Weapon:** The most striking and iconic use is found in the narrative of Samson. In [[Judges 15:15]], Samson finds a "fresh jawbone of a donkey" (לְחִי-חֲמוֹר טְרִיָּה) and uses it to slay a thousand Philistines. This act, recounted in [[Judges 15:16-17]], transforms a seemingly contemptible and unlikely object into an instrument of divine victory, showcasing God's power working through unexpected means.
* **The Cheek as a Target of Insult and Violence:** Lᵉchîy frequently appears in contexts of striking or smiting, signifying profound insult, humiliation, or physical violence.
* In [[1 Kings 22:24]] and [[2 Chronicles 18:23]], the prophet Micaiah is struck on the cheek by Zedekiah, symbolizing contempt for his prophetic word.
* Job laments, "They strike me on the cheek with contempt" in [[Job 16:10]], illustrating the depth of his suffering and humiliation at the hands of his mockers.
* The prophetic lament in [[Lamentations 3:30]] advises, "He gives his cheek to the one who strikes him," a poignant image of submissive suffering in the face of affliction.
* Similarly, [[Micah 5:1]] prophesies a future humiliation for Israel's judge, stating, "They will strike the judge of Israel on the cheek with a staff."
* **Divine Action Against Enemies:** In [[Psalm 3:7]], the psalmist declares, "You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; you have broken the teeth of the wicked." Here, striking the cheek is attributed to God, signifying divine judgment, victory, and the humiliation of adversaries. It represents God's decisive action to vindicate His people and overcome their oppressors.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word lᵉchîy is conceptually linked to several other Hebrew terms and ideas:
* **Face/Presence:** The broader term for "face" is פָּנִים (pānîm, `{{H6440}}`), of which the cheek is a prominent part. Actions directed at the cheek often imply an assault on the person's honor or presence.
* **Bone:** The word עֶצֶם ('etsem, `{{H6106}}`) refers to "bone" generally. When lᵉchîy denotes the "jaw-bone," it falls under this broader category of skeletal structure.
* **Striking/Smiting:** Verbs like נָכָה (nāḵāh, `{{H5221}}`, "to strike, smite") frequently accompany lᵉchîy, emphasizing the act of violence or insult.
* **Humiliation and Honor:** The cheek is a highly visible and sensitive part of the face, making it a locus of personal honor. To strike the cheek is an act of profound dishonor and humiliation.
* **Strength and Weakness:** Samson's use of the jawbone highlights the paradox of divine strength manifest through a seemingly weak and contemptible instrument.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of lᵉchîy is multifaceted, reflecting themes of humiliation, divine power, and vindication.
* **The Locus of Humiliation and Suffering:** The repeated imagery of striking the cheek underscores its role as a primary point of insult and suffering. This act signifies a profound degradation of a person's dignity and honor. In prophetic texts, this imagery foreshadows the suffering of the righteous, culminating in the passion of Christ, who willingly endured being struck and mocked (though the Greek term for cheek, σιαγών (siagōn), is used in the New Testament, the concept is continuous).
* **Divine Empowerment and Unlikely Means:** Samson's exploit with the donkey's jawbone is a powerful testament to God's ability to use the most unexpected and seemingly insignificant tools to accomplish His mighty purposes. It illustrates the principle that divine strength is not dependent on human might or conventional weaponry, but on God's sovereign choice and power.
* **Divine Judgment and Vindication:** When God is depicted as striking the cheek of enemies, it symbolizes His decisive judgment and the complete humiliation of those who oppose Him and His people. It is an act of divine justice that brings vindication to the afflicted and demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word לְחִי (lᵉchîy, `{{H3895}}`) primarily denotes the "cheek," extending to the "jaw-bone," reflecting its origin from a root meaning "to be soft." Biblically, its usage is primarily twofold: as an instrument of unlikely victory (Samson's jawbone) demonstrating divine power, and more frequently, as a target of striking, symbolizing profound humiliation, insult, and suffering. In divine contexts, God striking the cheek of enemies signifies His decisive judgment and the vindication of His people. Thus, lᵉchîy carries significant theological weight, embodying themes of human vulnerability and divine strength, suffering and ultimate triumph.
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