### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shôwq**, represented by `{{H7785}}`, primarily denotes the **leg** or **thigh**. It appears 19 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible. The term's meaning extends from the literal lower leg of a person to the shoulder of a sacrificial animal, highlighting its use in both anatomical and ceremonial contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7785}}` is used in several key contexts. Literally, it describes the human leg, often poetically. In Song of Solomon, a lover's **legs** are compared to "pillars of marble" to convey strength and beauty [[Song of Solomon 5:15]]. The psalmist notes that God does not delight in the physical prowess symbolized by the "**legs** of a man" [[Psalms 147:10]]. The word is especially prominent in a ceremonial context, referring to the **shoulder** of a sacrificial animal. The "heave **shoulder**" is repeatedly designated as the priest's portion in peace offerings, a holy due for Aaron and his sons ([[Leviticus 7:34]], [[Exodus 29:27]]). An idiomatic use appears in [[Judges 15:8]], where Samson "smote them hip and **thigh**," indicating a great slaughter.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the anatomical and ceremonial uses of **shôwq**:
* `{{H1290}}` **berek** (knee): This word for knee is used in direct connection with `{{H7785}}` in the description of a curse that afflicts both the **knees** and the **legs** [[Deuteronomy 28:35]].
* `{{H3409}}` **yârêk** (thigh): Often translated as thigh, this word appears alongside `{{H7785}}` in the idiomatic expression "hip and **thigh**," denoting a great slaughter [[Judges 15:8]].
* `{{H2373}}` **châzeh** (breast): In sacrificial law, the **breast** is consistently mentioned with the **shoulder** `{{H7785}}` as the portion designated for the priests, such as the "wave **breast** and heave **shoulder**" [[Leviticus 7:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7785}}` is evident in its application.
* **Priestly Provision:** The frequent designation of the **shoulder** as a "heave offering" `{{H8641}}` underscores God's ordained system for sustaining the Aaronic priesthood. It was their rightful due, given to them as "a statute for ever" from the peace offerings of Israel [[Leviticus 7:34]].
* **Human Strength vs. Divine Delight:** The word is used to contrast human ability with God's values. God does not find pleasure in the physical power symbolized by "the **legs** of a man" [[Psalms 147:10]], redirecting focus from mortal strength to reliance on the divine.
* **Symbol of Condition:** `{{H7785}}` serves as a potent symbol for both blessing and curse. It represents stability and beauty when described as "pillars of marble" [[Song of Solomon 5:15]], but also instability when compared to "the **legs** of the lame" [[Proverbs 26:7]] or divine judgment when afflicted with incurable sores [[Deuteronomy 28:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7785}}` is a versatile term whose meaning shifts significantly with context. It functions as a literal descriptor for the human leg, a poetic symbol for strength or weakness, and a technical term for a specific, holy portion of a sacrifice. From its use in proverbs about human folly to its central role in the laws of priestly provision, `{{H7785}}` illustrates how a single anatomical term can carry both physical and profound spiritual weight within the biblical text.
TRV