Bible Dictionaries
Bones

Holman Bible Dictionary

While often referring to the skeletal remains of humans (Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19; 1 Samuel 31:13 ), “bones” were also referred to metaphorically. “Rottenness of bones” signified one whose wife caused shame and confusion (Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 14:30 ) or could refer to dejectedness and anticipation of approaching evil (Habakkuk 3:16 ). The “shaking of bones” denoted fear (Job 4:14 ) or sadness (Jeremiah 23:9 ). The “burning of the bones” indicated grief and depression (Psalm 102:3; Lamentations 1:13 ) and the feeling of Jeremiah when he tried to refrain from proclaiming God's message (Jeremiah 20:9 ). “Dryness of bones” meant poor health (Proverbs 17:22 ). Various other expressions using “bones” referred to mental distress (Job 30:17; Psalm 6:2; Psalm 22:14; Psalm 31:10; Psalm 38:3; Psalm 51:8; Lamentations 3:4 ). “Bone of my bones” may mean having the same nature or being the nearest relation (Genesis 2:23; 2 Samuel 5:1 ).