Genesis 32:32
Genesis 32:32 in Multiple Translations
Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon which is at the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was struck near that tendon.
Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.
Therefore the children of Israel eat not the sinew of the hip which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.
For this reason the children of Israel, even today, never take that muscle in the hollow of the leg as food, because the hollow of Jacob's leg was touched.
(That's why, even today, Israelites don't eat the thigh tendon attached to the hip socket, because that's where the man hit Jacob's hip socket.)
Therefore the children of Israel eate not of the sinewe that shranke in the hollowe of the thigh, vnto this day: because he touched the sinew that shranke in the holow of Iaakobs thigh.
therefore the sons of Israel do not eat the sinew which shrank, which [is] on the hollow of the thigh, unto this day, because He came against the hollow of Jacob's thigh, against the sinew which shrank.
Therefore the children of Israel don’t eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.
Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrunk, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, to this day; because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrunk.
Therefore the children of Israel, unto this day, eat not the sinew, that shrank in Jacob’s thigh: because he touched the sinew of his thigh and it shrank.
The muscle on his hip joint had been injured. So to this present time, because of what happened to Jacob, the Israeli people do not eat the muscle/tendon that is attached to the socket of the hips of animals.
Later on, the Israel mob made a special law about their food. They said, “God touched the joint at the top of Jacob’s leg bone. So when we kill an animal and eat it, we will not eat the stringy bits that are on the top of that animal’s leg bone.” And the Israel mob still keep that law today.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 32:32
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 32:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽזְרַֽח
ל֣/וֹ
הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
עָבַ֖ר
אֶת
פְּנוּאֵ֑ל
וְ/ה֥וּא
צֹלֵ֖עַ
עַל
יְרֵכֽ/וֹ
וַ/יִּֽזְרַֽח
zârach
H2224
to rise
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
עָבַ֖ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פְּנוּאֵ֑ל
Pᵉnûwʼêl
H6439
Penuel
N-proper
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
צֹלֵ֖עַ
tsâlaʻ
H6760
to limp
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְרֵכֽ/וֹ
yârêk
H3409
thigh
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 32:32
וַ/יִּֽזְרַֽח
zârach
H2224
"to rise"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to rise or shine, like the sun coming up. It's used in the Bible to describe the sun rising or a symptom appearing. In the KJV, it's translated as 'arise' or 'rise up'.
Definition: 1) to rise, come forth, break out, arise, rise up, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rise 1a2) to come out, appear
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: arise, rise (up), as soon as it is up. See also: Genesis 32:32; Psalms 104:22; Psalms 112:4.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָבַ֖ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פְּנוּאֵ֑ל
Pᵉnûwʼêl
H6439
"Penuel"
N-proper
Penuel is a place in the Bible where Jacob met God, and it means facing God. It's also the name of a few Israelites, like a man from the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned in 1 Chronicles.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.8.25; son of: Shashak (H8349); brother of: Ishpan (H3473), Eber (H5677J), Eliel (H0447I), Abdon (H5658I), Zichri (H2147I), Hanan (H2605), Hananiah (H2608O), Elam (H5867), Anthothijah (H6070) and Iphdeiah (H3301) § Penuel or Peniel = "facing God" 1) a Benjamite, son of Shashak, brother of Iphedeiah of the family of Saul 2) son of Hur, father of Gedor, and a descendant of Judah 3) the place named by Jacob when he wrestled with God and located on the north bank of the Jabbok close to the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Peniel, Penuel. See also: Genesis 32:31; Judges 8:17; 1 Chronicles 8:25.
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
צֹלֵ֖עַ
tsâlaʻ
H6760
"to limp"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to limp or be lame, as if one is walking with a disability. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who is physically impaired, and is sometimes translated as 'halt'. The word has a similar meaning in Aramaic, where it can also mean 'to pray'.
Definition: 1) to limp, be lame 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to limp 1a2) to be lame 2) (Pael) to pray Aramaic equivalent: tse.la (צְלָא "to pray" H6739)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: halt. See also: Genesis 32:32; Micah 4:7; Zephaniah 3:19.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְרֵכֽ/וֹ
yârêk
H3409
"thigh"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the thigh or the side of something, and can also symbolize strength or power. It is used to describe where a sword is worn, and also represents the loins as the seat of procreative power.
Definition: 1) thigh, side, loin, base 1a) thigh 1a1) outside of thigh (where sword was worn) 1a2) loins (as the seat of procreative power) 1b) side (flank) (of object) 1c) base
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] body, loins, shaft, side, thigh. See also: Genesis 24:2; Numbers 3:35; Psalms 45:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 32:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 32:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
Context — Jacob Wrestles with God
30So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”
31The sun rose above him as he passed by Penuel, and he was limping because of his hip.
32Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was struck near that tendon.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 5:5 | That is why, to this day, the priests of Dagon and all who enter the temple of Dagon in Ashdod do not step on the threshold. |
Genesis 32:32 Summary
This verse explains why the Israelites don't eat a certain part of an animal, because it reminds them of when Jacob wrestled with God and got hurt in Genesis 32:32. It's like a reminder to them of how God is strong and they are weak, and they need to trust Him, just like Jacob did (as seen in Genesis 32:26-28). This story helps us remember that when we encounter God, it can be life-changing, and we might even be 'marked' by it, like Jacob was (Genesis 32:31). Just like Jacob, we can trust God and surrender our lives to Him, even when it's hard, and He will help us, as promised in Psalm 46:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the Israelites not eat the tendon at the socket of the hip?
The Israelites do not eat the tendon at the socket of the hip because of the significance of Jacob's encounter with God in Genesis 32:32, where his hip socket was struck near that tendon, as a reminder of his wrestling match with God.
Is this practice still observed today?
While this specific practice may not be widely observed today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring God's interactions with His people, as seen in Genesis 32:32 and Exodus 12:14.
What is the spiritual significance of Jacob's limp?
Jacob's limp, mentioned in Genesis 32:31, serves as a physical reminder of his spiritual transformation and newfound dependence on God, much like the permanent marks on our lives that come from encountering God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the biblical narrative?
This verse connects to the broader story of God's covenant with Israel, highlighting the unique relationship between God and His people, as seen in Genesis 17:1-14 and Exodus 19:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has 'struck' my life, causing me to limp in dependence on Him, and how can I remember those encounters?
- How can I, like Jacob, surrender my strength and ability to God, acknowledging my limitations and trusting in His power?
- In what ways can I honor God's interactions with my life, even when they are difficult or challenging, and how can I share those stories with others?
- What are some 'tendons' in my life that I need to surrender to God, allowing Him to shape and transform me, as seen in Romans 12:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:32
Therefore the children of Israel eat not [of] the sinew which shrank,.... Which was contracted by the touch of the angel, and by which it was weakened and benumbed; or the sinew of the part that was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:32
Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank. The children of Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
Not from any superstitious conceit about it, but only for a memorial of this admirable conflict, the blessed effects whereof even the future generations received.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
Genesis 32:32 Therefore the children of Israel eat not [of] the sinew which shrank, which [is] upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’ s thigh in the sinew that shrank.Ver. 32. Therefore the children, &c.] This custom, Josephus saith, continued till his time. A ceremony indifferent in itself, and good by institution (in remembrance of that famous conquest), might become evil by abuse, if it turned into superstition.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
(32) The sinew which shrank.—This translation has much authority in its favour, as the LXX. render the sinew that became numb, and the Vulgate the sinew that withered. More probably, however, it is the proper name for the large tendon which takes its origin from the spinal cord, and extends down the thigh unto the ankle. Technically it is called nervus ischiaticus, and by the Greeks was named tendo Achillis, because it reaches to the heel. Jewish commentators notice that this was the second special ordinance imposed upon the race of Abraham, circumcision having been enjoined upon them by God, while this grew out of an historical event in the life of their progenitor, to the reality of which it bears remarkable testimony.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
Verse 32. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew] What this sinew was neither Jew nor Christian can tell; and it can add nothing either to science, or to a true understanding of the text, to multiply conjectures. I have already supposed that the part which the angel touched or struck was the groin; and if this be right, the sinew, nerve, or muscle that shrank, must be sought for in that place. THE serious reader must meet with much instruction in this chapter. 1. After his reconciliation with Laban, Jacob proceeds on his way to Canaan; and as God, who was continually watching for his welfare, saw the trials to which he would shortly be exposed, therefore he provided for him the instructive vision of angels, that he might see that those who were for him were more than those who could be against him. A proper consideration of God's omniscience is of the utmost advantage to every genuine Christian. He knows whereof we are made, he remembers that we are but dust, he sees our trials and difficulties, and his eye affects his heart. Hence he is ever devising means that his banished-be not expelled from him. 2. Jacob's recollection of his unkindness and injustice to his brother, when he hears that he is coming to meet him, fills his soul with fear, and obliges him to betake himself to God by prayer and supplication. How important is the office of conscience!
And how necessary are times of trial and difficulty when its voice is loudest, and the heart is best prepared to receive its reproofs! In how many cases has conscience slumbered till it pleased God to send some trial by which it has been powerfully awakened, and the salvation of the sinner was the result! Before I was afflicted I went astray. 3. Though salvation be the free gift of God, yet he gives it not to any who do not earnestly seek it. The deeper the conviction of guilt and helplessness is, the more earnest the application to God for mercy is likely to be. They whose salvation costs them strong crying and tears, are not likely (humanly speaking) to part with it lightly; they remember the vinegar and the gall, and they watch and pray that they enter not into temptation. 4. In the strife and agony requisite to enter in at the strait gate, it is highly necessary that we should know that the grace and salvation of God are not purchased by our tears, c. for those things which are only proofs and arguments that we have sinned, can never remove the iniquity of our transgressions.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:32
32. Therefore the children of Israel] The Compiler adds this note, which explains the Israelite custom of abstaining from eating the muscle in an animal, corresponding to the muscle, or sinew, in the thigh of Jacob that was touched by God: it was regarded as sacred. This tendon is commonly supposed to be the sciatic muscle, nervus ischiaticus, running from the thigh to the ankle. No mention of this practice of ritual abstinence occurs in the Levitical law; but it is referred to in the Talmud Tract Chullin, cap. vii. he touched] The subject to the verb is not expressed, out of motives of reverence. “The nature of the lameness produced by injury to the sinew of the thigh socket is explained by the Arabic lexx., s.v. ḥ ?ârifat; the man can only walk on the tips of his toes” (!).—Robertson Smith, Rel. Sem (380, n. 1).
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 32:32
32. Eat not… the sinew which shrank — This is understood of the ischiadic, or sciatic nerve, extending from the thigh bone downwards. Even to the present day the Jews religiously abstain from eating this sinew in animals.