Lexical Summary shor: Ox, Bull Original Word: שֹׁר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance navel From sharar; a string (as twisted (compare shariyr)), i.e. (specifically) the umbilical cord (also figuratively, as the centre of strength) -- navel. see HEBREW sharar see HEBREW shariyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition umbilical cord NASB Translation body (1), navel (1), navel cord (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שֹׁר] noun [masculine] navel-string (compare Aramaic שׁוּרָא Ezekiel 16:4 ᵑ7,  , Arabic  , all id.); — suffix לאֹ כָרַּת שָׁרֵּךְ Ezekiel 16:4 (Ges§ 22s Köii. 1. 45) thy navel-string was nut cut; questioned are: שָׁרֶּ֑ךָ Proverbs 3:8 (De and others navel, synechd. for body, "" עַצְמוֺתֶתךָ; ᵐ5 τῷ σώματι; σου, compare ᵑ6, Clericus Bi Frankenb בְּשָֽׂרְךָ, Ew Hi Kmp and others שְׁאֵרְךָ, Toy either); שָׂרְרֵךְ Cant 7:3 (ᵐ5 ὀμφαλάς σοὺ "" בִּטְנֵךְ), = שָׁרֵּךְ Thes and others; now often interpreted as = vulva, compare Arabic  secret part, Hi Stickel Buhl Öttli, noticed also by Thes, but Arabism dubious, see Bu. Topical Lexicon Semantic Scope and Imagery שֹׁר depicts the “navel,” the physical center of the body where the life-giving cord once joined child to mother. In the ancient Near East the navel symbolized origin, dependence and inner vitality. By extension it could stand for the whole body’s well-being, much as “heart” can stand for the inner person. Occurrences in Canonical Context • Proverbs 3:8 couples filial trust in the Lord and obedience to His wisdom with bodily flourishing: “This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones”. The noun underlying “body” is שֹׁר, pointing literally to the navel. Solomon’s aphorism moves from the body’s single vital point to the skeletal frame, stressing comprehensive health that flows from covenant faithfulness. Physiological Symbolism 1. Dependency: Just as the navel once fed the unborn child, so humanity remains dependent on the LORD for sustenance (Psalm 104:27-30). Historical and Cultural Background Midwives customarily cut the cord, washed the infant, rubbed it with salt and swaddled it (Ezekiel 16:4). Failure to perform these acts signified rejection. The prophet exploits this cultural knowledge to underline Yahweh’s compassion: He alone rescued the forsaken child (Jerusalem), cleansed her, and raised her to royal status (16:6-14). Archaeological remains of salt basins and newborn care texts from Ugarit and Mari confirm the practice and deepen the realism of Ezekiel’s allegory. Theological Emphasis • Covenant Grace: The neglected navel in Ezekiel magnifies God’s initiative; salvation begins when God claims the helpless (Romans 5:6). Pastoral and Ministry Application 1. Discipleship: Teach the inseparability of obedience and wholeness. Spiritual disciplines foster inner health that often manifests in emotional and even physical resilience. Intertextual Echoes • Psalm 22:9-10 celebrates God’s care “from my mother’s womb,” resonating with Ezekiel 16:4. Summary שֹׁר, though occurring only twice, concentrates profound biblical theology: human life begins in utter dependence; God graciously supplies nurture; and continuing vitality flows from living in reverent submission to His wisdom. The humble navel quietly testifies to the Creator’s sustaining power and calls believers to rest in, and proclaim, that sustaining grace. Forms and Transliterations לְשָׁרֶּ֑ךָ לשרך שָׁרֵּ֔ךְ שרך lə·šār·re·ḵā ləšārreḵā lesharRecha šār·rêḵ šārrêḵ sharRechLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 3:8 HEB: רִ֭פְאוּת תְּהִ֣י לְשָׁרֶּ֑ךָ וְ֝שִׁקּ֗וּי לְעַצְמוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ NAS: It will be healing to your body And refreshment KJV: It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow INT: will be healing become to your body and refreshment to your bones Ezekiel 16:4 2 Occurrences |
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