Ankle
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Ankle in the Bible?
The Hebrew term for ankle, often derived from roots meaning 'to bind' or 'to encircle', denotes the joint itself as well as the jewelry, such as bracelets or chains, worn around it. In biblical poetry, this imagery serves as a metaphor for vanity, pride, or the act of walking with deliberate, ostentatious grace.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the dual meaning of ankle-related terms as both body parts and ornaments clarifies poetic metaphors in books like Proverbs and Isaiah, revealing how ancient authors used physical adornment to critique social behavior and moral character.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Ankle in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ankle clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.