Lexical Summary atstsil: Side, corner, projection Original Word: אַצִּיל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance joint of the handFrom 'atsal (in its primary sense of uniting); a joint of the hand (i.e. Knuckle); also (according to some) a party-wall (Ezek. 41:8) -- (arm) hole, great. see HEBREW 'atsal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as etsel Definition a joining, joint NASB Translation armpits* (1), long (1), wrists* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אַצִּיל noun [feminine] joining, joint (compare  elbow) — plural construct [י]אַצִּילֵי יד Ezekiel 13:18 (on יד compare Sm Co); — joint of hand, i.e. elbow Ezekiel 13:18; אַצִּילוֺת יָדֶיךָ Jeremiah 38:12 arm-joints. — אִַצּילָה׃ Ezekiel 41:8 obscure; perhaps ׳א is here a technical architectural term to the joining (compare Sm Ke). Topical Lexicon Semantic Scopeאַצִּיל (atsil) is used in Scripture for a projecting side or extremity—most literally the “side” of the human body (the armpit or upper arm) and, by extension, the lateral projection of a building. Across its three occurrences the term conveys protection, vulnerability, and structural support, themes that intertwine with God’s concern for His people and the integrity of His sanctuary. Occurrences and Contexts 1. Jeremiah 38:12 – In the pit of Malchijah, Jeremiah is lifted by ropes padded with “worn-out clothes under your armpits (אַצִּיל)”. The detail stresses personal care in God’s rescue plan: even while judgment on Judah raged, the Lord safeguarded His prophet from additional pain. The term points to the tender places of the body, highlighting divine compassion for human frailty. 2. Ezekiel 13:18 – Women who “sew magic charms on all wrists” fasten their devices at the אַצִּיל, symbolizing a perversion of the place meant for strength and blessing. Here the word underscores how occult practices target what should be devoted to the Lord’s service, turning the arm—an emblem of God-given might—into an instrument of deception. 3. Ezekiel 41:8 – In the temple vision, Ezekiel notes “a raised base all around” and foundations of “side rooms (אַצִּיל)”. The architectural usage shifts the image from human vulnerability to permanent stability. Just as the arm supports the body, these side chambers buttress the house of God, emblematic of His enduring holiness and the ordered worship He requires. Historical Significance Jeremiah’s rescue occurred during Babylon’s siege, when despair and political intrigue threatened faithful ministry. The cushioning at the אֲצִיל illustrates that God’s providence works through humble means (old rags) and unlikely servants (Ebed-Melech the Cushite) to preserve His word. Ezekiel’s condemnation of magical trinkets comes in exile, when syncretism tempted Judah’s survivors. By identifying the arm as the site of corruption, the prophet exposes counterfeit power that usurps the place reserved for the “mighty hand and outstretched arm” of the LORD remembered since the Exodus. The temple vision, dated near the exile’s end, re-centers Israel’s hope on a future sanctuary. The structural אַצִּיל assures readers that God’s house will once again stand firm, every part measured and ordained. Theological Reflections • Protection: Whether a prophet lowered into mud or a sanctuary raised on stone, the אַצִּיל is associated with cushioning and support. Scripture thus portrays God as one who guards the tender parts of His servants and His dwelling alike. • Purity versus Pollution: In Ezekiel 13 the same anatomical locale becomes the focus of occult manipulation. The passage warns that defilement often begins at points intended for strength, calling believers to vigilance over the “arms” of their lives—the means by which they act in the world. • Divine Architecture: The temple’s side-rooms suggest that gifts, ministries, and offices surrounding public worship must be rightly founded. As Paul later teaches, “You are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). The Old Testament imagery prepares the Church to value both central and supporting roles in the body of Christ. Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral Care: Jeremiah’s padded rescue encourages practical compassion. Leaders should anticipate hurts that ministry assignments may cause and provide “old rags” of comfort—resources, counsel, and tangible help—so servants emerge without unnecessary scars. 2. Discernment: Ezekiel 13 charges the Church to expose spiritual counterfeit that preys on human need for power or healing. The metaphor of charms on the arm urges believers to evaluate every practice by Scripture and to rely solely on God’s legitimate grace. 3. Church Structure: The temple’s אַצִּיל legitimizes careful planning and support systems within congregations. Sound doctrine, accountable leadership, and appropriate facilities are not optional luxuries but elements of a house fit for the Lord’s presence. Christological Perspective The contrast between vulnerable flesh and solid sanctuary finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His arms stretched upon the cross bore the ultimate fragility of human nature, while His resurrected body becomes the cornerstone of a living temple (Ephesians 2:20-22). Thus, what אַצִּיל sketches in shadow, the Gospel reveals in full: the God who supports the weak also constructs an unshakable dwelling among His redeemed. Forms and Transliterations אַצִּֽילָה׃ אַצִּילֵ֣י אַצִּל֣וֹת אצילה׃ אצילי אצלות ’aṣ·ṣî·lāh ’aṣ·ṣî·lê ’aṣ·ṣi·lō·wṯ ’aṣṣîlāh ’aṣṣîlê ’aṣṣilōwṯ atzTzilah atztziLei atztziLotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 38:12 HEB: וְהַמְּלָחִים֙ תַּ֚חַת אַצִּל֣וֹת יָדֶ֔יךָ מִתַּ֖חַת NAS: under your armpits under INT: and rags under joint able under Ezekiel 13:18 Ezekiel 41:8 3 Occurrences |
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