from קָרַס; an ankle (as a protuberance or joint); foot.
Transliteration:qarçôl
Pronunciation:kar-sole'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קַרְסֹל (transliterated as *qarçôl*, Strong's `{{H7166}}`) denotes a specific anatomical feature, primarily the "ankle." Its derivation from the root קָרַס (*qâraç*), meaning "to bend," "to stoop," or "to hook," illuminates its core meaning. The ankle is understood as a vital joint, a protuberance where the foot connects to the leg, enabling pivotal movement and providing stability. While the base definition also includes "foot," this is likely a synecdochic extension, where the part (ankle) stands for the whole (foot), especially in contexts emphasizing the point of contact with the ground or the mechanism of walking. The precision of "ankle" highlights its role as a crucial articulation point for locomotion and balance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word קַרְסֹל (`{{H7166}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a poetic context within a Psalm of deliverance and praise. This sole occurrence is found in [[2 Samuel 22:37]] and its parallel passage, [[Psalm 18:36]]. The verse reads: "You enlarged my steps under me, so that my feet did not slip" (ESV). The phrase "my feet did not slip" translates "וְלֹא מָעֲדוּ קַרְסֻלָּי" ( *wělo' ma'ădû qarçullāy*), where קַרְסֻלָּי is the plural form of קַרְסֹל with a first-person singular possessive suffix ("my ankles").
In this context, the psalmist (David) attributes his stability and secure movement to the Lord's intervention. The "enlarging of steps" suggests a broadening of one's path or an unhindered ability to move forward, free from obstacles. The subsequent clause, "so that my ankles did not slip," powerfully reinforces this notion of divine preservation. The ankle, being the primary joint responsible for stability and preventing falls during walking, becomes a metonym for the entire lower limb's secure footing. The imagery evokes a dangerous path where one might easily stumble, but divine power ensures firm and unfaltering progress.
### Related Words & Concepts
The singularity of `{{H7166}}` makes direct lexical comparison challenging, but its semantic field connects it to several related concepts and words concerning the human body and movement.
* **`{{H7272}}` רֶגֶל (*regel*):** The most common Hebrew word for "foot," often used metaphorically for walking, journey, or presence. While `{{H7166}}` specifies the ankle, `{{H7272}}` refers to the entire foot.
* **`{{H6471}}` פַּעַם (*pa'am*):** Refers to a "step" or "stride," often in the context of walking or advancing. The phrase "enlarged my steps" in [[2 Samuel 22:37]] directly relates to the function of the ankle.
* **`{{H4571}}` מָעַד (*ma'ad*):** The verb used with `{{H7166}}` in [[2 Samuel 22:37]], meaning "to slip," "to totter," or "to stumble." This verb highlights the precariousness from which God delivers the psalmist.
* **`{{H7785}}` שׁוֹק (*shoq*):** Refers to the "leg" or "thigh," the limb above the ankle.
Conceptually, `{{H7166}}` is intertwined with themes of stability, secure footing, divine support, and unhindered progress in the face of adversity. It underscores the fragility of human movement without divine aid and the comprehensive nature of God's protection.
### Theological Significance
Despite its solitary appearance, the theological significance of קַרְסֹל (`{{H7166}}`) is profound, embedded within a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and preserving power. The ankle, a relatively small but critical joint, symbolizes the foundational stability required for one's journey through life. When the psalmist declares that his "ankles did not slip," it speaks to:
1. **Divine Preservation:** God actively intervenes to prevent the believer from falling or stumbling, not just physically, but metaphorically in their life's path, protecting them from spiritual or moral pitfalls.
2. **Enabled Progress:** The security of the ankle allows for enlarged, unhindered steps. This signifies God's enablement for believers to advance in their calling and purpose without being tripped up by opposition or sin.
3. **Intimate Care:** The focus on a specific joint like the ankle demonstrates the meticulous and comprehensive nature of God's care. He attends to even the seemingly minor details of a person's life, knowing that these small components are vital for overall well-being and function.
4. **Trust and Reliance:** The verse implicitly calls for trust in God as the one who provides stability. The believer's secure footing is not due to their own strength or agility, but to the Lord's empowering presence.
Thus, `{{H7166}}` serves as a poignant reminder that God is the source of all stability, ensuring His people do not falter as they walk in His ways.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קַרְסֹל (*qarçôl*, `{{H7166}}`), meaning "ankle," is a precise anatomical term derived from a root signifying bending or joining. Its singular biblical appearance in [[2 Samuel 22:37]] / [[Psalm 18:36]] is highly significant. In this context, it functions as a metonym for secure footing and stability, highlighting God's divine enablement and preservation. The psalmist's declaration that his "ankles did not slip" underscores the Lord's comprehensive care, preventing His servant from stumbling and allowing for unhindered progress. Theologically, `{{H7166}}` speaks to God's intimate, protective power, ensuring the stability and secure journey of those who trust in Him.
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