The word "sinew" appears in the Bible, and understanding its significance requires looking at specific contexts:
* Anatomical Sinew:
* Sinews are tendons, the tough, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. In this sense, sinews are simply part of human and animal anatomy, mentioned in descriptions of bodies or sacrifices.
* Jacob's Struggle (Genesis 32:22-32):
* The most notable use of "sinew" is in the story of Jacob wrestling with a divine being (often interpreted as an angel or God himself). During the struggle, the being touched the socket of Jacob's hip, and the *sinew of his thigh was strained.*
* Significance:
* Physical Mark: This event left Jacob with a permanent limp, a physical reminder of his encounter with God.
* Dietary Law: This event is traditionally understood as the basis for the Jewish custom of not eating the sinew of the thigh muscle of animals (the *gid hanasheh*). This serves as a constant remembrance of Jacob's struggle and God's power.
* Symbolic Interpretation: The straining of the sinew can also be interpreted symbolically. It represents a "weakening" or "vulnerability" that Jacob experienced, highlighting the idea that even in strength (wrestling), one can be humbled by God. Jacob's name was changed to Israel (meaning "he struggles with God"), acknowledging this transformation.
In summary:
* "Sinew" in the Bible refers to tendons.
* The most significant biblical reference to sinew is in the story of Jacob's wrestling match, which resulted in a lasting physical mark and a dietary law. This event is interpreted both literally and symbolically as a demonstration of God's power and a transformation in Jacob's life.