Bible Dictionaries
Thigh

Holman Bible Dictionary

The side of the lower torso and the upper part of the leg. Sometimes the reference is simply physical (Judges 3:16; Psalm 45:3; Song of Song of Solomon 3:8; Song of Song of Solomon 7:1 ). More often Scripture regards the thigh as the seat of vital functions, especially procreation. English translations often obscure this connection. The Hebrew text of Genesis 46:26; Exodus 1:5; and Judges 8:30 gives the thighs (KJV loins) as the source of offspring. Marital infidelity was punishable by “the falling away of the thigh,” that is, by failure of the reproductive system ( Numbers 5:16-21 ). In the Patriarchal period, oaths were taken by placing a hand “under the thigh,” a veiled reference to the reproductive organs. (The English terms testify and testes witness a similar relation.) The action perhaps represents the calling of one's descendants as witnesses of the oath. When the “stranger” at Peniel did not prevail against Jacob, he touched Jacob in the hollow of his thigh, leaving him limping ( Genesis 32:25-32 ). Jacob escaped the struggle broken but unbowed. Slapping the thigh indicated sorrow, shame, or remorse (Jeremiah 31:19; Ezekiel 21:12 ). The thigh was among the portions of the sacrifice going to the priests (Leviticus 7:32-34; Leviticus 10:14; compare 1 Samuel 9:24 where Samuel honored Saul with this portion.)