Genesis 32:32 - Therefore the children of Israel don’t eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.
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What does "Genesis 32:32" mean?
Genesis 32:32 describes the origin of the Jewish custom of not eating the sinew of the hip (the sciatic nerve). Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"Therefore the children of Israel don’t eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day...": This is the statement of the custom. The "sinew of the hip" refers to the sciatic nerve. The phrase "to this day" indicates that this custom was observed by the Israelites at the time the book of Genesis was written (or when this part of Genesis was finalized in its present form).
"...because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.": This explains the reason for the custom. "He" refers to the divine being (often interpreted as an angel or God himself) with whom Jacob wrestled in the previous verses. During their struggle, this being touched Jacob's hip socket, dislocating or injuring it.
In summary, the verse's meaning is this:
The Israelites abstain from eating the sciatic nerve of animals because of the incident in Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestled with a divine being who touched and injured Jacob's hip at that location. This injury served as a symbolic marker of Jacob's encounter and served as a source of memory which served to be remembered by avoiding eating this part of the animal.
Further Context and Significance:
Jacob's Wrestling Match: This verse is part of the larger narrative of Jacob wrestling with a divine being. This wrestling match is a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, marking a transformation in his identity and relationship with God. At the end of the wrestling match, the divine being changes Jacob's name to Israel, which means "he who struggles with God" or "God prevails."
Dietary Laws: This verse is one of the earliest examples of a dietary law in the Bible. Later in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), many more detailed dietary laws are given (Kashrut). These laws are often interpreted as a way for the Israelites to maintain a sense of separation and holiness.
Symbolic Interpretation: Some scholars interpret this verse and the prohibition as having symbolic meanings, such as:
A reminder of human frailty and dependence on God.
A symbol of Jacob's struggle and perseverance.
A way of honoring Jacob and his encounter with the divine.
A reminder of the power and mystery of God.
Modern Observance: The practice of removing the sciatic nerve (and associated veins and fats) from kosher meat is called niquur (Hebrew: ניקור). It is a complex process done by specially trained butchers. Because of its complexity, many Orthodox Jews outside of Israel avoid the hindquarters of animals altogether, as removing all the forbidden parts can be quite difficult and expensive.
Essentially, this verse links a specific dietary prohibition to a significant event in the life of Jacob, the patriarch, and to the formation of the Israelite nation. It highlights the importance of memory, tradition, and the unique relationship between the Israelites and God in shaping their practices.
Genesis 32:32 - Therefore the children of Israel don’t eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.
What does "Genesis 32:32" mean?
Genesis 32:32 describes the origin of the Jewish custom of not eating the sinew of the hip (the sciatic nerve). Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"Therefore the children of Israel don’t eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day...": This is the statement of the custom. The "sinew of the hip" refers to the sciatic nerve. The phrase "to this day" indicates that this custom was observed by the Israelites at the time the book of Genesis was written (or when this part of Genesis was finalized in its present form).
"...because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.": This explains the reason for the custom. "He" refers to the divine being (often interpreted as an angel or God himself) with whom Jacob wrestled in the previous verses. During their struggle, this being touched Jacob's hip socket, dislocating or injuring it.
In summary, the verse's meaning is this:
The Israelites abstain from eating the sciatic nerve of animals because of the incident in Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestled with a divine being who touched and injured Jacob's hip at that location. This injury served as a symbolic marker of Jacob's encounter and served as a source of memory which served to be remembered by avoiding eating this part of the animal.
Further Context and Significance:
Jacob's Wrestling Match: This verse is part of the larger narrative of Jacob wrestling with a divine being. This wrestling match is a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, marking a transformation in his identity and relationship with God. At the end of the wrestling match, the divine being changes Jacob's name to Israel, which means "he who struggles with God" or "God prevails."
Dietary Laws: This verse is one of the earliest examples of a dietary law in the Bible. Later in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), many more detailed dietary laws are given (Kashrut). These laws are often interpreted as a way for the Israelites to maintain a sense of separation and holiness.
Symbolic Interpretation: Some scholars interpret this verse and the prohibition as having symbolic meanings, such as:
A reminder of human frailty and dependence on God.
A symbol of Jacob's struggle and perseverance.
A way of honoring Jacob and his encounter with the divine.
A reminder of the power and mystery of God.
Modern Observance: The practice of removing the sciatic nerve (and associated veins and fats) from kosher meat is called niquur (Hebrew: ניקור). It is a complex process done by specially trained butchers. Because of its complexity, many Orthodox Jews outside of Israel avoid the hindquarters of animals altogether, as removing all the forbidden parts can be quite difficult and expensive.
Essentially, this verse links a specific dietary prohibition to a significant event in the life of Jacob, the patriarch, and to the formation of the Israelite nation. It highlights the importance of memory, tradition, and the unique relationship between the Israelites and God in shaping their practices.