Definition and Usage:
Meat-hooks, also referred to as flesh-hooks in some translations, are tools mentioned in the Bible primarily used in the context of sacrificial rituals and temple service. These implements were typically made of metal and featured prongs or hooks, allowing priests to handle and manipulate the meat of sacrificial animals.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 27:3 : "Make all the utensils of bronze: its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, basins, meat forks, and firepans." This verse describes the construction of the altar and its associated utensils, including meat-hooks, which were used in the handling of sacrifices.

2. 1 Samuel 2:13-14 : "Now it was the custom of the priests with the people that whenever any man offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling and plunge it into the pan, kettle, cauldron, or pot. Whatever the fork brought up, the priest would take for himself. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh." This passage highlights the use of meat-hooks in the sacrificial practices at Shiloh, where the priests' servants would use them to claim portions of the offerings.

3. 2 Chronicles 4:16 : "The pots, shovels, meat forks, and all their utensils Huram-abi made of polished bronze for King Solomon for the house of the LORD." This verse refers to the utensils crafted for Solomon's Temple, indicating the continued use of meat-hooks in temple service.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
In the context of ancient Israelite worship, meat-hooks were essential tools for the priests. They facilitated the handling of sacrificial meat, ensuring that the offerings were prepared according to the prescribed rituals. The use of meat-hooks underscores the importance of order and propriety in worship practices, reflecting the broader biblical theme of holiness and reverence in approaching God.

The mention of meat-hooks in the Bible also serves as a reminder of the sacrificial system that pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The handling of sacrificial meat with these tools symbolizes the meticulous care and sanctity associated with offerings made to God.

Symbolism and Interpretation:
From a theological perspective, meat-hooks can be seen as symbols of the priestly role in mediating between God and the people. The priests' use of these tools in the sacrificial process highlights their responsibility in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The proper use of meat-hooks, as part of the broader sacrificial system, reflects the need for purity and dedication in worship.

In summary, meat-hooks in the Bible are more than mere utensils; they are integral to the sacrificial system that foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Their presence in the biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of ritual, order, and the priestly function in the worship of God.6793a. tsinnah -- probably a hook, barb
... Word Origin from the same as tsen Definition probably a hook, barb NASB Word Usage
meat hooks (1). 6793, 6793a. tsinnah. 6793b . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6793a.htm - 5kMeat-hooks (5 Occurrences)
Meat-hooks. Meat-hook, Meat-hooks. Meat-market . Multi-Version
Concordance Meat-hooks (5 Occurrences). Exodus 27:3 And ...
/m/meat-hooks.htm - 8k

Spades (9 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And make all its vessels, the baskets for taking away the dust of the
fire, the spades and basins and meat-hooks and fire-trays, of brass. (BBE). ...
/s/spades.htm - 9k

Fire-trays (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And make all its vessels, the baskets for taking away the dust of the
fire, the spades and basins and meat-hooks and fire-trays, of brass. (BBE). ...
/f/fire-trays.htm - 8k

Baskets (20 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And make all its vessels, the baskets for taking away the dust of the
fire, the spades and basins and meat-hooks and fire-trays, of brass. (BBE). ...
/b/baskets.htm - 12k

Fire-baskets (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 4:14 Placing on the cloth all its vessels, the fire-baskets, the meat-hooks,
the spades, and the basins; all the vessels of the altar; they are to put ...
/f/fire-baskets.htm - 6k

Meat-hook (1 Occurrence)
Meat-hook. Meat, Meat-hook. Meat-hooks . Multi-Version Concordance Meat-hook
(1 Occurrence). ... Meat, Meat-hook. Meat-hooks . Reference Bible.
/m/meat-hook.htm - 6k

Meat-market (1 Occurrence)
Meat-market. Meat-hooks, Meat-market. Meatoffering . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Meat-hooks, Meat-market. Meatoffering . Reference Bible.
/m/meat-market.htm - 6k

Polished (23 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 4:16 All the pots and the spades and the meat-hooks and their vessels,
which Huram, who was as his father, made for King Solomon for the house of ...
/p/polished.htm - 13k

Placing (44 Occurrences)
... Numbers 4:14 Placing on the cloth all its vessels, the fire-baskets, the meat-hooks,
the spades, and the basins; all the vessels of the altar; they are to put ...
/p/placing.htm - 20k

Leather (34 Occurrences)
... Numbers 4:14 Placing on the cloth all its vessels, the fire-baskets, the meat-hooks,
the spades, and the basins; all the vessels of the altar; they are to put ...
/l/leather.htm - 17k

What does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.org

Why can't Catholics eat meat on Fridays during Lent? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God prohibit eating meat with blood in it (Genesis 9:4)? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus