### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bôhen**, represented by `{{H931}}`, refers to the **thumb** of the hand or the **great toe** of the foot. It appears 16 times across 9 unique verses. The term is derived from an unused root that apparently means "to be thick," denoting the most substantial digit on the hand or foot.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H931}}` appears in two primary contexts: judgment and consecration. In the book of Judges, the Canaanitish king **Adonibezek** `{{H137}}` had the **thumbs** and **great toes** of seventy kings cut off `{{H7112}}` as a sign of humiliation and incapacitation [[Judges 1:7]]. He later suffered the same fate, recognizing it as God’s requital for his actions [[Judges 1:6]]. Conversely, in Leviticus and Exodus, the **thumb** and **great toe** are central to ceremonies of dedication. The **blood** `{{H1818}}` of a ram was placed on the right **thumb** and right **great toe** of **Aaron** `{{H175}}` and his **sons** `{{H1121}}` during their consecration as priests ([[Exodus 29:20]], [[Leviticus 8:23]]). This ritual was also part of the cleansing `{{H2891}}` ceremony for individuals, where blood and oil were applied to these same body parts ([[Leviticus 14:14]], [[Leviticus 14:17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the significance of the **thumb** and **great toe**:
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (hand): This word for **hand** is almost always used in conjunction with **bôhen** to specify the thumb. The hand represents action and work, which is strengthened in God [[1 Samuel 23:16]] and used to carry out His will.
* `{{H7272}}` **regel** (foot): This term for **foot** provides the context for the great toe. The foot symbolizes one's walk or path in life. Scripture describes God setting our **feet** upon a rock [[Psalms 40:2]] and His word being a lamp unto them [[Psalms 119:105]].
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): Central to the ceremonial use of **bôhen**, **blood** signifies life and atonement [[Leviticus 17:11]]. Its application to the thumb and toe consecrated a person’s actions and walk.
* `{{H8081}}` **shemen** (oil): Applied after the blood in cleansing rites [[Leviticus 14:28]], **oil** is a symbol of anointing, joy, and blessing ([[Isaiah 61:3]], [[Psalms 23:5]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H931}}` is demonstrated through its symbolic application:
* **Power and Stability:** The thumb is essential for grasping and wielding tools or weapons, while the great toe is critical for balance and movement. To cut them **off** `{{H7112}}` was to render a person powerless and unstable, a physical act reflecting complete subjugation and judgment [[Judges 1:7]].
* **Consecration of Action and Walk:** In priestly ordination, applying blood to the **thumb** of the right **hand** `{{H3027}}` and the **great toe** of the right **foot** `{{H7272}}` signified that all the priest's actions and his entire path were being dedicated to God's holy service [[Exodus 29:20]].
* **Comprehensive Restoration:** In purification rituals, anointing the **thumb** and **great toe** with blood and oil indicated a total cleansing. It covered the extremities of the body, symbolizing that the person's deeds and direction were now clean `{{H2891}}` and restored for fellowship and service ([[Leviticus 14:14]], [[Leviticus 14:17]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H931}}` is more than just an anatomical term. It carries significant symbolic weight, representing a person's capacity for action and the foundation of their walk. Whether through its removal in judgment or its anointing in consecration, the **thumb** and **great toe** serve as focal points in Scripture that connect the physical body to themes of power, service, and complete spiritual restoration.
TRV