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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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