from נָשָׁה, in the sense of failure; rheumatic or crippled (from the incident to Jacob); which shrank.
Transliteration:nâsheh
Pronunciation:naw-sheh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5384 (נָשֶׁה, nâsheh) refers specifically to the "sinew of the thigh" or, more precisely, the sciatic nerve or its associated tendon. Its base definition, derived from the root H5382 (נָשָׁה, nâshâh), carries the sense of "failure," "rheumatic," or "crippled," particularly as something "which shrank." This etymological connection to "failure" is significant, implying a state of impairment or diminished capacity. In its sole biblical occurrence, H5384 denotes the specific part of Jacob's thigh that was dislocated or injured during his wrestling encounter, resulting in a permanent limp. Thus, its semantic range is highly specialized, pointing to a particular anatomical feature rendered dysfunctional, serving as a physical marker of a profound spiritual event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H5384 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Genesis 32:32]] (or [[Genesis 32:33]] in some numbering systems): "Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the sinew that is in the hollow of the thigh, because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank." This verse directly follows the account of Jacob's wrestling match at Peniel ([[Genesis 32:24-31]]). During this nocturnal struggle with a divine being, Jacob's thigh was "touched" or "struck" (H5060, נָגַע), causing the H5384 to shrink or become dislocated. The injury left Jacob with a permanent limp, a physical manifestation of his transformative encounter. The contextual analysis reveals that this specific injury led to a lasting dietary prohibition among the descendants of Israel, establishing a perpetual memorial of their patriarch's pivotal experience and the divine intervention that marked him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H5384 is its root verb, H5382 (נָשָׁה, nâshâh), which can mean "to forget," "to lend on interest," or "to deceive." While the semantic link between "forgetting" or "lending" and "sinew" is not immediately apparent, the definition of H5384 explicitly states its derivation "in the sense of failure" from this root, suggesting a nuanced understanding of H5382 that encompasses debilitation or impairment. Other related concepts include:
* H3409 (ירֵךְ, yārēḵ): "thigh," the broader anatomical region where the H5384 is located.
* H5060 (נָגַע, nāḡaʿ): "to touch," "to strike," the verb used to describe the action of the divine being upon Jacob's thigh.
The theological concepts associated with H5384 include divine encounter, physical injury as a sign of spiritual transformation, humility, dependence on God, and the establishment of dietary laws as a form of national remembrance and identity.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H5384 in [[Genesis 32:32]] carries profound theological significance. The injury to Jacob's H5384 serves as a tangible, permanent reminder of his wrestling match with God (or an angel of God).
1. **Transformation of Identity:** The limp marks Jacob's transition from "Jacob" (the supplanter, the one who grasps) to "Israel" (he who strives with God, or God strives). The physical weakness symbolizes a spiritual strength gained through surrender and reliance on divine power rather than human cunning or might. His limping walk became a testament to his new identity and relationship with God.
2. **Humility and Dependence:** The permanent injury forces Jacob into a state of physical weakness, preventing him from relying on his own strength or agility. This serves as a constant, embodied lesson in humility and absolute dependence on God, even after receiving a blessing.
3. **Perpetual Memorial:** The dietary prohibition against eating the H5384 among the Israelites ([[Genesis 32:32]]) transforms a personal injury into a communal, religious observance. This custom ensures that every generation remembers the foundational encounter of their patriarch, reinforcing their covenant identity and the reality of God's direct interaction with humanity. It is a physical reminder of a spiritual reality, embedding theological truth into daily life.
4. **Divine Power and Grace:** The encounter at Peniel showcases God's immense power, capable of debilitating Jacob with a mere touch. Yet, it also highlights God's grace, as Jacob's life is spared, and he receives a blessing, albeit with a lasting physical mark. The H5384 thus becomes a symbol of both divine might and merciful engagement.
### Summary
The Hebrew term H5384 (נָשֶׁה, nâsheh) uniquely identifies the "sinew of the thigh" that was injured in Jacob's wrestling match with a divine being, leading to a permanent limp. Appearing solely in [[Genesis 32:32]], this word is central to understanding the physical consequence of Jacob's transformative encounter at Peniel. The injury to the H5384 symbolizes Jacob's transition from self-reliance to divine dependence, marking his new identity as "Israel." Furthermore, the subsequent dietary prohibition against eating this sinew established a lasting communal memorial, embedding the theological lessons of humility, divine encounter, and covenant identity into the very fabric of Israelite life. Thus, H5384 represents not merely an anatomical part, but a profound theological marker of divine interaction and human transformation.
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