the Week of Proper 26 / Ordinary 31
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Bible Encyclopedias
Cheek
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (לְחַי, lechi´, the jaw, as often rendered; σιαγών ). Smiting upon the cheek is frequently spoken of in the Scriptures as a most grievous insult and injury (Job 16:10; Lamentations 3:30; Micah 5:1; Luke 6:29); and the incidental notices of modern travelers on this, as on other subjects, exhibit the literal accuracy of the language of the inspired writers. Lord Valentia, in his Travels, alluding to one of his servants, says, "Davage was deeply incensed; nor could I do more than induce him to come to the factory on business while I was there, Mr. Pringle having, in one of his fits struck him on the cheek with the sole of his slipper." Sir W. Ouseley, speaking of the Persian court, remarks, "When the vizir declared himself unable to procure the money, Fathh Ali Shah reproached him for his crimes, struck him on the face, and, with the high wooden heel of a slipper, always iron-bound, beat out several of his teeth." Roberts remarks that the Hindoo can bear almost anything without emotion except slippering — that is, a stroke with the sole of a slipper or sandal, after a person has taken it off his foot and spit upon it: this is dreaded above all affronts, and considered as no less ignominious than spitting in the face or bespattering with dirt among Europeans. An angry man often says, "I will beat thy cheek, thou low-caste fellow."
The term "cheek-bone," in Psalms 3:7, is used figuratively, and presents the Psalmist surrounded by his enemies as by a herd of wild beasts, and denotes their complete deprivation of the power of seizing upon or devouring their prey. In Joel 1:6, the "cheek-teeth" (מְתִלְּעוֹת, methalleö th´), grinders, of locusts are compared to those of a beast of prey.
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Cheek'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/c/cheek.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
