Shoulder-Blade
NatureWhat is the meaning of Shoulder-Blade in the Bible?
The Hebrew term shikhmah denotes the shoulder blade, appearing in Job 31:22 where it functions as a concrete anatomical reference within a metaphorical expression of total physical and psychological collapse.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing shikhmah as a specific anatomical structure clarifies the visceral nature of Job's self-cursing, illustrating how ancient Near Eastern literature utilized precise bodily imagery to articulate extreme states of distress and vulnerability.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Shoulder-Blade were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shoulder-Blade in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shoulder-Blade clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Job 31:22
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Shoulder-Blade." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shoulderblade/