The Hebrew word shêthâh, represented by H8357, is a term for the buttock. Derived from שִׁית, it refers to the seat of a person. This specific word appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, used in contexts of extreme shame and humiliation.
In its biblical usage, H8357 is exclusively associated with acts of public disgrace. In one instance, Hanun dishonors David's servants by cutting off their garments "in the middle, even to their buttocks" before sending them away 2 Samuel 10:4. Similarly, the prophet Isaiah describes a future humiliation where the king of Assyria will lead away captives from Egypt "naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered," an act that brings "shame" upon the nation Isaiah 20:4.
Several related words appear in the same contexts of shame and exposure:
- H3772 kârath (to cut (off, down or asunder)): This word describes the direct action that leads to exposure. Hanun is said to have cut off the garments of David's servants, exposing them 2 Samuel 10:4.
- H6174 ʻârôwm (nude, either partially or totally): This describes the state of the humiliated captives. The Egyptians and Ethiopians are led away naked with their buttocks uncovered Isaiah 20:4.
- H6172 ʻervâh (nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness)): This term highlights the intended result of the exposure. The uncovering of the captives' buttocks is done specifically "to the shame of Egypt" Isaiah 20:4.
The use of H8357 carries significant weight in portraying judgment and dishonor.
- Symbol of National Humiliation: The exposure of the buttocks H8357 is not merely a personal indignity but a symbol of national defeat and disgrace, as seen with the captives from Egypt Isaiah 20:4.
- Act of Intentional Contempt: The word appears in narratives where disrespect is deliberately inflicted. Hanun's treatment of David's servants was an intentional act of shaming to show contempt 2 Samuel 10:4.
- Physical Exposure as Judgment: In the context of Isaiah, the forced nakedness and uncovered buttocks H8357 of the prisoners of war serves as a visible sign of judgment executed by the king of Assyria Isaiah 20:4.
In summary, H8357 is a specific anatomical term whose biblical significance is derived entirely from its context. Used only twice, it functions as a powerful illustration of public shaming and the humiliation of enemies. The word underscores how physical exposure served as a potent symbol of disgrace, defeat, and judgment in the biblical world.
TRV