Wrist
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Topical Encyclopedia
The wrist, while not frequently mentioned explicitly in the Bible, is an important part of the human body, serving as the connection between the hand and the forearm. In biblical times, the wrist would have been significant in daily activities such as labor, craftsmanship, and warfare, as well as in symbolic and ritualistic contexts.

Biblical References and Contexts:

1. Symbolism and Rituals:
Although the wrist itself is not directly mentioned, the hand and arm are often used symbolically in Scripture. The wrist, as part of the hand, can be inferred in passages that discuss the use of hands in blessings, oaths, and offerings. For example, in the context of blessings, the laying on of hands is a significant act (Genesis 48:14). The wrist, being part of the hand, would naturally be involved in such actions.

2. Binding and Bondage:
The concept of binding is prevalent in the Bible, often symbolizing captivity or servitude. While the wrist is not specifically mentioned, it is reasonable to assume that when individuals were bound, the wrists would have been involved. For instance, in the account of Samson, when he is bound by the Philistines, it is likely that his wrists were tied (Judges 16:21).

3. Strength and Skill:
The wrist is crucial for strength and dexterity, both of which are celebrated in biblical narratives. The skill of artisans and warriors, such as those who crafted the Tabernacle or fought in battles, would have depended on the strength and flexibility of their wrists. The Bible often praises the skillful use of hands, which implicitly includes the wrist (Exodus 31:3-5).

4. Metaphorical Use:
While not directly mentioned, the wrist can be considered in metaphorical language related to the hand and arm. For example, the "arm of the Lord" is a metaphor for God's power and might (Isaiah 53:1). The wrist, as part of the arm, is included in this imagery of strength and action.

5. Cultural Practices:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, bracelets and other adornments were worn on the wrist, signifying wealth, status, or covenant relationships. Although the Bible does not explicitly mention wrist adornments, it does reference jewelry and ornaments, which could include bracelets (Genesis 24:22).

Theological Implications:

The wrist, as part of the hand, plays a role in the biblical understanding of human action and responsibility. Hands are often seen as instruments of work, worship, and warfare, and by extension, the wrist is involved in these activities. The Bible emphasizes the importance of using one's hands for righteous purposes, which implicitly includes the proper use of the wrist (Psalm 24:3-4).

In summary, while the wrist is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its role as part of the hand and arm is significant in understanding biblical narratives and symbolism. The wrist's involvement in actions, both physical and symbolic, highlights its importance in the biblical worldview.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) The joint, or the region of the joint, between the hand and the arm; the carpus. See Carpus.

2. (n.) A stud or pin which forms a journal; -- also called wrist pin.

Strong's Hebrew
8285. sherah -- a bracelet
... bracelet. From sharar in its original sense of pressing; a wrist-band (as compact
or clasping) -- bracelet. see HEBREW sharar. 8284, 8285. sherah. 8286 . ...
/hebrew/8285.htm - 6k
Library

Answers to Prayer
... Through this misfortune her afflictions grew worse. In January, 1884, she fell
and broke one bone and dislocated another in the left wrist. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

A New Pretender
... He laid his hand on her wrist. ... There was a dead pause in which his fingers still
held her wrist and his deep eyes were fixed on her face. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xiii a new pretender.htm

Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
... I think, if some of you should try to break away, you would find a chain on the
right wrist, and one on the left; one on the right foot, and another on the left ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/talmage a bloody monster.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

Devout Customs and Usages
... It should fall somewhat below the knees. The sleeves are flowing and of
considerable width at the wrist.". [Illustration: The surplice]. ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

Those Days it was Near Twelve O'Clock by the Great Dial of History ...
... Both followed eagerly, he leading, and, as it stopped, he quickly covered the bit
of metal with his hand. "Let me see!" said she, her hand upon his wrist. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 2 those days it.htm

The Dream of St. Ursula
... her head like a double crown. The white nightgown hides the arm, raised
on the pillow, down to the wrist. At the door of the room ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ruskin/saint ursula/ii the dream of st.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

It was a Clear Morning and the Tenth Day Before the Kalends of ...
... rest. With a hand quick as the paw of a leopard, Vergilius whirled it away
and caught the wrist of the Jew and flung him down. While ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 22 it was a.htm

It is not Enough that God Know us to be Chaste: we must Seem So ...
... Otherwise, I know not whether the wrist that has been wont to be surrounded with
the palmleaf-like bracelet will endure till it grow into the numb hardness of ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter xiii it is not enough.htm

Thesaurus
Wrist (3 Occurrences)
... See Carpus. 2. (n.) A stud or pin which forms a journal; -- also called
wrist pin. Multi-Version Concordance Wrist (3 Occurrences). ...
/w/wrist.htm - 7k

Palm (49 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The inner and somewhat concave part of
the hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist. ...
/p/palm.htm - 35k

Bracelet (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) An ornamental band or ring, for the wrist or the arm; in modern times,
an ornament encircling the wrist, worn by women or girls. ...
/b/bracelet.htm - 13k

Carpus (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The wrist; the bones or cartilages between ... The name,
common enough in Paul's day, signifies "fruit" (Young) or "wrist" (Davis). ...
/c/carpus.htm - 7k

Cubit (51 Occurrences)
... uncertainty whether it included the entire length from the elbow to the tip of the
longest finger, or only from the elbow to the root of the hand at the wrist. ...
/c/cubit.htm - 26k

Wrists (5 Occurrences)

/w/wrists.htm - 8k

Hand (14438 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) That part of the fore limb below the forearm or wrist in man and monkeys,
and the corresponding part in many other animals; manus; paw. See Manus. ...
/h/hand.htm - 27k

Knee (12 Occurrences)
... the thigh and leg. 3. (n.) In the horse and allied animals, the carpal
joint, corresponding to the wrist in man. 4. (n.) A piece ...
/k/knee.htm - 12k

Unwashen (3 Occurrences)
... not physically), and so before meals must be cleansed (religiously) by washing,
which consisted in two affusions and must extend up to the wrist, else the hand ...
/u/unwashen.htm - 8k

Wrinkles (1 Occurrence)

/w/wrinkles.htm - 6k

Resources
When Jesus was nailed to the cross, did the nails go through His hands or His wrists? | GotQuestions.org

What is the history of crucifixion? What was crucifixion like? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org

Wrist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Wrist (3 Occurrences)

Mark 7:3
for the Pharisees, and all the Jews, if they do not wash the hands to the wrist, do not eat, holding the tradition of the elders,
(WBS)

Genesis 38:28
When she travailed, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, "This came out first."
(See NIV)

Genesis 38:30
Afterward his brother came out, that had the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Wrist

Related Terms

Writ (3 Occurrences)

Wrist (3 Occurrences)

Ring (33 Occurrences)

Dropped (52 Occurrences)

Buck (23 Occurrences)

Armhole

Suddenly (87 Occurrences)

Striking (25 Occurrences)

Instantly (39 Occurrences)

Punishments (31 Occurrences)

Catch (46 Occurrences)

Wrinkles
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