Lexical Summary shophkah: Basin, Bowl Original Word: שָׁפְכָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance privy member Feminine of a derivative from shaphak; a pipe (for pouring forth, e.g. Wine), i.e. The penis -- privy member. see HEBREW shaphak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shaphak Definition male organ NASB Translation male organ (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שָׁפְכָה noun feminine male organ (as fluid-duct); — absolute ׳כְּרוּת שׁ Deuteronomy 23:2 ("" מְּצוּעַדַּֿכָּה). Topical Lexicon Biblical OccurrenceThe noun שָׁפְכָה appears once in the Hebrew Bible—Deuteronomy 23:1—within legislation governing access to “the assembly of the LORD.” The verse reads: “No man with crushed or severed genitals may enter the assembly of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 23:1). The term refers to a specific form of genital injury that renders a man sexually and reproductively disabled. Cultural and Historical Context In the Ancient Near East, physical wholeness was commonly linked to ritual fitness. Israel’s law distinguishes the covenant community as holy, requiring both moral and ceremonial integrity (Leviticus 20:26). A bodily defect that eliminated the possibility of procreation symbolized a break from the creation mandate to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) and therefore excluded the injured male from participating in covenantal worship rites conducted at the tabernacle (later the temple). This exclusion was not punitive toward the individual but rather pedagogical for the nation, illustrating the perfection God requires of His covenant people. Theological Themes 1. Holiness and Wholeness The legislation underscores that the God of Israel is perfect and demands perfect worshipers (Psalm 24:3-4). Bodily unblemished males symbolically mirrored the blameless sacrifices required on the altar (Leviticus 22:19-20). 2. Human Frailty and Grace While the law restricts, later revelation extends hope. Isaiah 56:3-5 foresees an era when the eunuch who “chooses what pleases Me” will receive “a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters.” The New Covenant ultimately fulfills this promise in Jesus Christ, who welcomes all believers—regardless of physical condition—into spiritual fellowship (Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28). 3. Eschatological Inclusion The Ethiopian eunuch’s conversion (Acts 8:26-39) vividly demonstrates the lifting of ceremonial barriers. His baptism by Philip confirms that Christ’s atoning work removes every exclusion once necessitated by ceremonial law (Ephesians 2:14-16). Practical Ministry Implications • Pastoral Sensitivity Modern ministry must emulate Christ’s compassion, recognizing that physical impairment or infertility can cause profound personal grief. The church offers identity and purpose rooted in redemption rather than reproductive capability (1 Corinthians 7:17-24). • Teaching the Whole Counsel Deuteronomy 23:1 should be taught alongside passages such as Isaiah 56 and Acts 8 to show God’s unfolding plan from Law to Gospel. This balanced approach guards against legalism while preserving reverence for divine holiness. • Symbolic Application Just as physical completeness was required for Old Testament worship, spiritual integrity—“circumcision of the heart” (Romans 2:29)—is necessary for New Testament believers. The solitary occurrence of שָׁפְכָה becomes a sober reminder that sin mars wholeness, and only Christ restores it. Christological Significance Jesus embodies the perfect, unblemished worshiper and sacrifice (Hebrews 7:26-27). In Him, the ceremonial shadows of bodily perfection meet their substance. The exclusion of the physically maimed prepares the theological stage for the inclusive invitation: “Whoever comes to Me I will never drive away” (John 6:37). Thus, the single mention of שָׁפְכָה contributes to the larger canonical narrative that moves from strict ceremonial separation to gracious gospel inclusion. Forms and Transliterations שָׁפְכָ֖ה שפכה šā·p̄ə·ḵāh šāp̄əḵāh shafeChahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 23:1 HEB: דַּכָּ֛א וּכְר֥וּת שָׁפְכָ֖ה בִּקְהַ֥ל יְהוָֽה׃ NAS: who is emasculated or has his male organ cut off KJV: He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, INT: wounded cut has his male the assembly of the LORD 1 Occurrence |
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