Lexical Summary eshek: Oppression, extortion Original Word: אֶשֶׁךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance stone From an unused root (probably meaning to bunch together); a testicle (as a lump) -- stone. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a testicle NASB Translation testicles (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אֶ֫שֶׁךְ] noun [masculine] testicle (Syriac  , Ethiopic  etymology unknown) only מְרוֺחַ אָ֑שֶׁךְ Leviticus 21:20. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Leviticus 21:20 records the sole appearance of אֶשֶׁךְ. The verse, listing conditions that disqualify a descendant of Aaron from altar service, includes “or he has a hunchback or a dwarf, or an eye defect, or an itching disease or scabs, or crushed testicles”. The term designates the male reproductive organs, highlighting a specific bodily impairment that barred priestly participation at the sanctuary. Context in Levitical Priesthood The priest stood as mediator between a holy God and a sinful people. Because the office typified perfection, any visible bodily defect rendered the priest ritually unfit for frontline service (Leviticus 21:17-23). Yet the statute carefully preserves the dignity of affected men: “He may eat the food of his God, both the most holy and the holy” (Leviticus 21:22). Exclusion from altar duty did not equal expulsion from fellowship or provision. Symbolism of Physical Wholeness Wholeness of body reflected wholeness of devotion. In Scripture the reproductive organs often symbolize vitality and fruitfulness (Genesis 35:11; Hebrews 7:5, 10). Damaged organs implied sterility, a powerful metaphor for spiritual unfruitfulness. The priest who bore Israel’s offerings could not visibly embody barrenness; instead, the office projected the ideal of abundant life flowing from covenant faithfulness. Relationship to Other Mosaic Regulations Deuteronomy 23:1 extends the principle to the wider “assembly of the LORD,” underlining how bodily integrity illustrated covenant blessing. The prohibition also protected Israel from pagan mutilation rites (cf. 1 Kings 18:28). While Deuteronomy employs a different Hebrew expression, both laws pursue the same theological end: preserving the sanctity of worship by guarding the representative’s wholeness. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern priesthoods commonly required blemish-free officiants; Hittite and Mesopotamian texts speak of similar standards. Israel’s legislation, however, uniquely balances holiness with compassion, granting the impaired priest full access to God’s table while restricting only public, symbolic functions. Rabbinic sources (e.g., Mishnah Bekhorot 7) list meticulous physical examinations for priests, reflecting the enduring importance of Leviticus 21. Typological Significance in Christ Jesus Christ, the sinless and blameless High Priest, fulfills the shadow cast by priestly wholeness. Though scourged and crucified, none of His bones were broken (John 19:36), and no defect disqualified His mediatorial work. His resurrection body embodies perfect life, guaranteeing believers’ future wholeness. In Him the ceremonial barrier is lifted, opening priestly access to all who are “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), regardless of physical condition. Practical Ministry Insights 1. God values both holiness and compassion; leaders must guard moral integrity while honoring every member of the body. Summary Points for Teaching and Preaching • אֶשֶׁךְ occurs once, marking a specific priestly disqualification rooted in the symbolism of fruitfulness. Forms and Transliterations אָֽשֶׁךְ׃ אשך׃ ’ā·šeḵ ’āšeḵ AshechLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 21:20 HEB: א֖וֹ מְר֥וֹחַ אָֽשֶׁךְ׃ NAS: or crushed testicles. KJV: or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; INT: or crushed testicles |
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