The term "elbow" refers to the joint connecting the forearm and the upper arm, allowing for the bending and extension of the arm. While the Bible does not specifically mention the elbow in a direct or detailed manner, the concept of the arm and its parts is often used metaphorically and symbolically throughout Scripture.

Symbolism and Metaphorical Use

In biblical literature, the arm is frequently used as a symbol of strength and power. For instance, the "arm of the Lord" is a common expression denoting God's mighty power and intervention on behalf of His people. Although the elbow itself is not explicitly mentioned, the arm's ability to bend and extend can be seen as a representation of flexibility and strength in action.

Biblical Context

1. Strength and Power: The arm, as a whole, is often associated with God's strength. In Isaiah 53:1 , it is written, "Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?" This passage highlights the power and authority of God, which can be understood as encompassing the entire arm, including the elbow, as a part of His divine strength.

2. Human Action and Labor: The arm is also a symbol of human effort and labor. In Proverbs 31:17 , the virtuous woman "sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." While the elbow is not specifically mentioned, the strength and capability of the arms imply the functional importance of the elbow in performing tasks.

3. Protection and Support: The arm is sometimes depicted as a source of protection and support. In Deuteronomy 33:27 , it is stated, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." This imagery suggests a sense of security and support, where the elbow, as part of the arm, plays a role in the encompassing embrace of God's protection.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the arm was a significant symbol of power and authority. The ability to wield weapons, perform labor, and offer protection was closely tied to the strength of one's arms. The elbow, as a crucial joint, enabled the flexibility and range of motion necessary for these activities. While the Bible does not focus on the anatomical specifics of the elbow, its function would have been understood as essential to the arm's overall capability.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention the elbow, its role as part of the arm is implicit in the various symbolic and metaphorical uses of the arm throughout Scripture. The elbow's function in enabling strength, flexibility, and action aligns with the broader biblical themes of power, labor, and protection.1. (n.) The joint or bend of the arm; the outer curve in the middle of the arm when bent.

2. (n.) Any turn or bend like that of the elbow, in a wall, building, and the like; a sudden turn in a line of coast or course of a river; also, an angular or jointed part of any structure, as the raised arm of a chair or sofa, or a short pipe fitting, turning at an angle or bent.

3. (n.) A sharp angle in any surface of wainscoting or other woodwork; the upright sides which flank any paneled work, as the sides of windows, where the jamb makes an elbow with the window back.

4. (v. t.) To push or hit with the elbow, as when one pushes by another.

5. (v. i.) To jut into an angle; to project or to bend after the manner of an elbow.

6. (v. i.) To push rudely along; to elbow one's way.

5440. phulakterion -- an outpost, fortification, an amulet
... 21). Strapped to the inside of the left arm (between the shoulder and the
elbow), phylacteries "rest over the " during prayer. They ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5440.htm - 7k

4083. pechus -- the forearm, ie a cubit
... 4083 -- "traditionally the distance from the elbow to the end of the fingers, about
eighteen inches or one-half meter -- 'cubit, eighteen inches, half meter ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4083.htm - 6k

1574. gomed -- a short cubit (from elbow to knuckles of clenched ...
... 1573, 1574. gomed. 1575 . a short cubit (from elbow to knuckles of clenched
fist). Transliteration: gomed Phonetic Spelling: (go'-med) Short Definition: cubit ...
/hebrew/1574.htm - 6k

520. ammah -- an ell, a cubit
... Prolonged from 'em; properly, a mother (ie Unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below
the elbow), ie A cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance) -- cubit ...
/hebrew/520.htm - 6k

7070. qaneh -- a stalk, reed
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a stalk, reed NASB Word Usage branch
(4), branches (18), calamus (1), cane (2), elbow (1), reed (5), reed...reeds (1 ...
/hebrew/7070.htm - 6k

That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet ...
... Hence it is well said through the prophet, Woe unto them that sew cushions under
every elbow, and make pillows under the head of every stature to catch souls ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter viii that the ruler.htm

The Dream of St. Ursula
... These flower-pots stand on a shelf which runs all round the room and beneath the
window, at about the height of the elbow, and serves to put things on anywhere ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ruskin/saint ursula/ii the dream of st.htm

Judas Exposed.
... Roman fashion. A wide couch was placed along the table and each guest reclined
on his left elbow with his feet extended outward. The ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/judas exposed.htm

Jesus is Arrested.
... They tied his hands as tightly as possible with hard new cords, fastening the
right-hand wrist under the left elbow, and the left-hand wrist under the right ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter iii jesus is arrested.htm

On the Road to Jerusalem
... they moved"fruitlessly; over the deformed face flitted the keen agony of regret;
then he lifted his great left arm and bent it upward at the elbow; the huge ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

Of the Outer Limbs of Man, and their Use.
... [1880] Brachia. The fore-arms, from the hand to the elbow. [1881] Substricta.
[1882] Lacerti, The arm from the elbow to the shoulder. ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap x of the outer limbs.htm

The Scaffolding Left in the Body
... In all men the rudimentary hair on the arm, from the wrist to the elbow, points
one way, from the elbow to the shoulder it points the opposite way. ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter ii the scaffolding left.htm

Dawn in the Hills
... Then he dropped down beside her, lounging on his elbow. ... The humor of the situation
appealed to him. He dropped his head into the bend of his elbow and laughed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter vi dawn in the.htm

The Right to Regulate My Private Affairs as I Wish
... 13. "Please, teacher," said a voice at my elbow, "wouldn't you like to wash
your face?". We were having a week in the country. For ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 4 the right to.htm

The Arrest of the Body
... which the Hand is now extended, and the extraordinary capacity for varied motion
afforded by the three-fold system of jointing at shoulder, elbow, and wrist. ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter iii the arrest of.htm

Elbow (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Any turn or bend like that of the elbow, in a wall, building, and the like;
a sudden turn in a line of coast or course of a river; also, an angular or ...
/e/elbow.htm - 7k

Cubit (51 Occurrences)
... It is difficult to determine the exact length of this measure, from the uncertainty
whether it included the entire length from the elbow to the tip of the ...
/c/cubit.htm - 26k

Jostle (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To run against and shake; to push out of the way;
to elbow; to hustle; to disturb by crowding; to crowd against. ...
/j/jostle.htm - 7k

Washing (56 Occurrences)
... in the hollow of the other, then placed the ten finger-tips together, holding the
hands up, so that any surplus water might flow down to the elbow, and thence ...
/w/washing.htm - 38k

El-beth-el (1 Occurrence)
El-beth-el. El-bethel, El-beth-el. Elbow . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
EL-BETH-EL. ... (ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS). El-bethel, El-beth-el. Elbow . Reference ...
/e/el-beth-el.htm - 7k

Elbows (1 Occurrence)

/e/elbows.htm - 6k

Phylactery
... There were two kinds: (1) one to be bound to the inner side of the left arm, and
near the elbow, so that with the bending of the arm it would rest over the ...
/p/phylactery.htm - 13k

Phylacteries (2 Occurrences)
... This was worn on the left arm near the elbow, to which it was bound by a thong.
It was called the "Tephillah on the arm.". Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/p/phylacteries.htm - 8k

Ablution
... washed their hands "oft," more correctly, "with the fist" (RV, "diligently"), or
as an old father, Theophylact, explains it, "up to the elbow." (Compare also ...
/a/ablution.htm - 18k

Arm (110 Occurrences)
... fluke. 8. (n.) An inlet of water from the sea. 9. (n.) A support for the
elbow, at the side of a chair, the end of a sofa, etc. 10. ...
/a/arm.htm - 42k

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