from an unused root meaning to be slender; properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins; [phrase] greyhound, loins, side.
Transliteration:môthen
Pronunciation:mo'-then
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4975}}` (מֹתֶן, *môthen*) derives from an unused root signifying "to be slender," pointing to its primary physical referent: the waist or the small of the back. While its root suggests a singular point, `{{H4975}}` appears exclusively in the plural form in the Hebrew Bible, consistently rendered as "loins." This plural usage expands its semantic range to encompass the entire region of the lower back and hips, often perceived as a central area of the body associated with strength, procreation, and physical exertion. The definition also notes a less common, perhaps metaphorical, association with a "greyhound," likely alluding to the animal's slender build and agility. Thus, `{{H4975}}` primarily denotes the anatomical region of the loins, serving as a foundation for various metaphorical and idiomatic expressions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H4975}}` in the biblical text reveal its multifaceted use, often extending beyond mere anatomical description to convey deeper concepts.
1. **Physical Strength and Readiness:** Perhaps the most prominent usage is in the idiom "gird up your loins" (e.g., [[Exodus 12:11]], [[1 Kings 18:46]], [[2 Kings 4:29]], [[Jeremiah 1:17]]). This phrase, rooted in the practice of tightening a belt around the waist to secure loose garments for activity, signifies preparation for arduous work, a journey, or battle. It implies a readiness for vigorous action, both physically and metaphorically. In [[Proverbs 31:17]], the virtuous woman "girds her loins with strength," illustrating physical and moral fortitude. Similarly, God challenges Job to "gird up your loons like a man" ([[Job 38:3]], [[Job 40:7]]), calling him to confront divine wisdom with human strength and understanding.
2. **Seat of Pain and Weakness:** Conversely, the loins are depicted as a locus of intense pain, fear, or weakness, highlighting human vulnerability. Prophets often describe the onset of divine judgment or overwhelming distress as a pain in the loins (e.g., [[Isaiah 21:3]], [[Nahum 2:10]]), indicating a deep, agonizing affliction that saps strength. In [[Psalm 69:23]], the psalmist prays for the enemies' "loins to totter continually," signifying their complete destabilization and loss of power.
3. **Procreation and Lineage:** While other Hebrew terms (e.g., `{{H3409}}` *yarekh*, "thigh") are more commonly used to denote the source of offspring, the loins, as part of the reproductive region, are implicitly linked to procreation and lineage. Although not explicitly used for "coming from the loins" in the same way, the area's significance for human generation undergirds its broader meaning.
4. **Clothing and Modesty:** `{{H4975}}` can also refer to the part of the body covered by garments, particularly in priestly contexts. [[Leviticus 16:4]] mentions the linen breeches "on his loins," emphasizing the specific attire required for holiness and modesty in divine service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding `{{H4975}}` includes several related Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **`{{H2504}}` (חָלַץ, *ḥālaṣ*):** Also translated as "loins," this term often carries the nuance of being "girded" or "equipped," particularly for battle or service. While both `{{H4975}}` and `{{H2504}}` refer to the loins, `{{H2504}}` more frequently emphasizes the active state of being prepared or "drawn out" for action.
* **`{{H3409}}` (יָרֵךְ, *yarekh*):** "Thigh," which frequently serves as a metonym for the generative organs and is often used in contexts of procreation and the "coming forth" of descendants (e.g., [[Genesis 46:26]]). While distinct, the loins and thighs are adjacent and conceptually linked in the ancient understanding of the body's core and reproductive capacity.
* **`{{H2290}}` (חֲגוֹרָה, *ḥăgôrâ*):** "Girdle" or "belt," the physical item used to "gird the loins." This word is intrinsically linked to the action associated with `{{H4975}}`, highlighting the practical means by which readiness and strength are physically manifested.
* **Concepts:** The word study of `{{H4975}}` inevitably touches upon broader concepts such as physical strength, endurance, readiness, human vulnerability, the source of life, and the importance of appropriate attire for specific roles.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4975}}` extends beyond its literal anatomical meaning, serving as a powerful metaphor for spiritual realities.
1. **Spiritual Readiness and Alertness:** The command to "gird up your loins" translates directly into a call for spiritual preparedness. Just as one prepares for physical exertion, the believer is called to be spiritually alert, ready for God's command, for service, or for spiritual warfare. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to have their "loins girded with truth" ([[Ephesians 6:14]]) and to "gird up the loins of your mind" ([[1 Peter 1:13]]), emphasizing mental and spiritual readiness for righteous living and divine encounter.
2. **Human Frailty and Dependence:** The depiction of loins wracked with pain or fear underscores human vulnerability and the transient nature of earthly strength. When the loins are weak, it signifies a complete collapse of power, serving as a stark reminder of humanity's dependence on God for true strength and sustenance. God's challenge to Job to "gird up his loins" highlights the vast chasm between divine omnipotence and human limitation, inviting Job to acknowledge his place before the Creator.
3. **Purity and Holiness in Service:** The mention of linen breeches covering the loins of the priests ([[Leviticus 16:4]]) signifies the importance of modesty, purity, and reverence in the presence of the Holy God. This physical covering reflects a spiritual requirement for holiness and decorum in divine worship and service.
### Summary
`{{H4975}}` (מֹתֶן, *môthen*), consistently rendered as "loins" in its plural form, refers to the lower back and hip region, a central area of the human body. Its core meaning extends beyond mere anatomy to encompass significant metaphorical and theological dimensions. Biblically, it frequently denotes physical strength, readiness for action (as in "girding up the loins"), or conversely, profound pain and weakness. It also implicitly relates to procreation and the covering of the body for modesty and holiness. Theologically, `{{H4975}}` serves as a potent symbol for spiritual preparedness, the recognition of human frailty in contrast to divine power, and the call to purity in God's service. The idiom "gird up your loins" thus becomes a timeless call for spiritual alertness and resolve in the journey of faith.
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