The Hebrew word shᵉʼêr, represented by H7607, carries a dual meaning of both physical flesh and relational kindred. It appears 16 times across 16 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition encompasses the concepts of flesh as living or for food, the body in general, and figuratively, kinship by blood.
In the biblical narrative, H7607 is used in several distinct contexts. It refers to the physical flesh or body, often in the context of human frailty or suffering. For instance, the psalmist laments, "My flesh and my heart faileth" Psalms 73:26, and a cruel man is said to trouble his own flesh Proverbs 11:17. The term is also used for food or provisions, as when God was asked if he could provide flesh for His people Psalms 78:20 or in the law concerning a wife's rights to her food Exodus 21:10. Figuratively, it denotes close familial relationship, or near kin, particularly in the laws of Leviticus that forbid incestuous relationships with a "father's near kinswoman" Leviticus 18:12 or a "mother's near kinswoman" Leviticus 18:13.
Several related words expand upon the concepts of flesh and kinship:
- H1320 bâsâr (flesh): Often used for flesh, body, or person, bâsâr is frequently paired with H7607 to specify a relationship of "near of kin" (Leviticus 18:6, Leviticus 25:49). While both can mean flesh, their combination emphasizes blood relation.
- H7138 qârôwb (near): This term, meaning near in place, kindred, or time, is used to modify H7607 to describe a kinsman that is "next" or "near" (Numbers 27:11, Leviticus 21:2), reinforcing the theme of relational proximity.
- H251 ʼâch (brother): A term for a male sibling or kindred, it represents a specific type of relationship that falls under the broader category of H7607 kin. In Leviticus 21:2, a priest's brother is listed among his near kin.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family): This word for a family or circle of relatives provides the larger context for kinship. A kinsman H7607 is designated as being part of the family (Numbers 27:11, Leviticus 25:49).
The theological weight of H7607 is seen in its dual application to the physical body and the social fabric of Israel.
- Human Frailty vs. Divine Strength: H7607 is used to express the transient and failing nature of human life. The declaration "My flesh and my heart faileth" is immediately contrasted with the truth that "God is the strength of my heart" Psalms 73:26, highlighting a core theological distinction between mortal weakness and divine permanence.
- Covenantal Purity and Kinship: The word is foundational to the laws of kinship and purity in Leviticus. By defining who qualifies as near kin (Leviticus 18:12, Leviticus 20:19), it establishes the sacred boundaries of family relationships, which are essential for maintaining social order and holiness within God's covenant people.
- Responsibility and Provision: Whether referring to God raining flesh upon His people Psalms 78:27 or the legal requirement for a husband to provide food for his wife Exodus 21:10, H7607 underscores a principle of care and sustenance, both divine and human.
In summary, H7607 shᵉʼêr is a multifaceted term that moves between the tangible and the relational. It is at once the physical flesh that can fail Psalms 73:26, the food that sustains life Exodus 21:10, and the kin that defines family and community Leviticus 18:6. Its usage provides crucial insight into biblical views on human mortality, the sacred structure of family within the covenant, and the fundamental responsibility of provision.
TRV