### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉkem**, represented by `{{H7926}}`, primarily means **shoulder**. It is defined as "the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill; back, [idiom] consent, portion, shoulder." It appears 22 times across 22 unique verses in the Bible. While often referring to the physical shoulder, its meaning extends to encompass concepts of carrying responsibility, receiving an allotment, turning one's back, or acting in unified consent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7926}}` is used in both literal and figurative ways. Literally, it is the part of the body used for carrying loads, as when Hagar received bread and water on her **shoulder** [[Genesis 21:14]] or when the Israelites carried their kneadingtroughs on their **shoulders** [[Exodus 12:34]]. Figuratively, it represents the seat of government and authority, as prophesied in Isaiah: "the government shall be upon his **shoulder**" [[Isaiah 9:6]]. The word is also used idiomatically to mean a **portion**, as when Jacob gave one **portion** to Joseph above his brothers [[Genesis 48:22]], and as an expression for unified action, "to serve him with one **consent**" [[Zephaniah 3:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the theme of burden-bearing associated with the shoulder:
* `{{H5445}}` **çâbal** (to carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome; specifically, to be gravid; bear, be a burden, carry, strong to labour): This verb is directly linked to the action of the shoulder. In Jacob's prophecy, Issachar "bowed his **shoulder** to **bear**" [[Genesis 49:15]].
* `{{H5447}}` **çêbel** (a load (literally or figuratively); burden, charge): This noun represents the load itself, which God promises to remove from the **shoulder** [[Psalms 81:6]].
* `{{H5448}}` **çôbel** (a load (figuratively); burden): This term is often paired with `{{H7926}}` in prophecies of liberation, such as when a **burden** is taken from the **shoulder** ([[Isaiah 10:27]], [[Isaiah 14:25]]).
* `{{H5923}}` **ʻôl** (a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively; yoke): The yoke, a symbol of oppression, is often mentioned in connection with the burden on the **shoulder**, which God promises to break ([[Isaiah 9:4]], [[Isaiah 10:27]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7926}}` is demonstrated through several key themes:
* **Messianic Authority:** The most significant use of the term points to the coming Messiah, upon whose **shoulder** the government will rest, indicating his supreme authority and responsibility to rule [[Isaiah 9:6]]. This is echoed by the symbolic act of laying the key of the house of David upon the **shoulder** of a steward [[Isaiah 22:22]].
* **Divine Liberation:** The shoulder is frequently depicted as the place where the burdens and yokes of oppression are carried. God's redemptive power is shown in his promise to remove the **burden** from Israel's **shoulder** ([[Isaiah 10:27]], [[Isaiah 14:25]]) and break "the staff of his **shoulder**" [[Isaiah 9:4]].
* **Covenantal Portion:** The word is used to signify a special inheritance or allotment. Jacob gives Joseph a **portion** (shᵉkem) above his brothers, highlighting its value and significance within the family covenant [[Genesis 48:22]].
* **Human Servitude and Choice:** Conversely, the act of bowing the **shoulder** can signify a choice to enter into servitude, as seen when Issachar "bowed his **shoulder** to bear, and became a servant unto tribute" [[Genesis 49:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7926}}` is a versatile term that develops from a physical body part into a powerful symbol. It conveys the literal act of carrying a load, but more profoundly, it illustrates concepts of governance, responsibility, oppression, and liberation. From the **portion** Jacob allotted to Joseph to the government upon the Messiah's **shoulder**, **shᵉkem** is a word that carries significant theological weight, marking it as a key term for understanding authority and redemption in the Old Testament.
TRV