The term "armpits" is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, the concept and related ideas appear in various contexts, often symbolizing strength, vulnerability, or cleanliness. In biblical times, the armpit, like other parts of the body, was understood in both its physical and symbolic dimensions.

Symbol of Strength and Vulnerability

The armpit, being a part of the body associated with the arm, can be indirectly linked to strength and power. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the arm often symbolized might and the ability to act. For instance, the "arm of the Lord" is a frequent biblical metaphor for God's power and intervention (Isaiah 53:1: "Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?"). While the armpit itself is not explicitly mentioned, it is part of the anatomy that supports the arm's function.

Conversely, the armpit can also represent vulnerability. In battle, the armpit is a less protected area, often exposed when the arm is raised. This duality of strength and vulnerability can be seen in the broader biblical narrative, where human strength is often juxtaposed with human frailty and the need for divine protection.

Cultural and Ritual Cleanliness

In the context of ritual purity, the armpit would have been part of the body that required cleansing. The Levitical laws emphasize cleanliness and the washing of the body to maintain ritual purity (Leviticus 15:11: "Anyone the man with the discharge touches without rinsing his hands with water must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening."). While the armpit is not specifically mentioned, the comprehensive nature of these laws implies attention to all parts of the body, including areas like the armpits that are prone to sweat and odor.

Metaphorical Implications

The Bible often uses the human body metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. While the armpit itself is not a primary focus, the broader symbolism of the body can be applied. For example, the Apostle Paul speaks of the body of Christ, where each part has a role and significance (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This metaphor underscores the importance of every part of the body, including those that might seem less honorable or presentable, such as the armpits.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention armpits, the concept is woven into the broader biblical themes of strength, vulnerability, cleanliness, and the metaphorical use of the body. These themes reflect the holistic view of the human person in Scripture, where every part of the body has significance and purpose in the divine narrative.679. atstsil -- a joining, joint
... 678, 679. atstsil. 680 . a joining, joint. Transliteration: atstsil Phonetic
Spelling: (ats-tseel') Short Definition: armpits. Word ...
/hebrew/679.htm - 6k

3027. yad -- hand
... abandon* (1), able (1), able* (1), addition* (1), afford* (4), against* (3), allegiance
(1), allegiance* (1), along (1), alongside* (1), armpits* (1), arms (5 ...
/hebrew/3027.htm - 8k

Christ's Birth
... I cannot now remember how these bands were wound round; I only know that the Child
was wrapped to His armpits first in red and then white bands, and that His ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

Of their Cords.
... [654] These falling down over the top of the neck and divided on either side of
the throat go round the folds (of the robe) at the armpits and gather them up ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter v of their cords.htm

The Nailing of Jesus to the Cross.
... arms of Jesus, thus unnaturally stretched out, no longer covered the arms of the
cross, which were sloped; there was a wide space between them and his armpits. ...
/.../chapter xxxviii the nailing of.htm

Martyrdom of the Holy Confessors Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, from ...
... for I will tear your bodies to pieces with whips, till I get to your very entrails;
and I will not cease pouring boiling lead into your armpits until it ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents martyrdom of 2.htm

The Embalming of the Body of Jesus.
... child. Then, having fastened the end of a large band beneath the armpits,
they rolled it round the head and the whole body. Finally ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter li the embalming of.htm

Acts of Sharbil, who was a Priest of Idols, and was Converted to ...
... The judge said: Make hot a ball of lead and of brass, and place it under his
armpits. And they did so, until his ribs began to be seen. ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents acts of.htm

Armpits (1 Occurrence)
...Armpits (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah,
Put now these rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords. ...
/a/armpits.htm - 6k

Armhole
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARMHOLE. arm'-hol: The Hebrew word 'atstsil,
is used in Jeremiah 38:12 in the sense of armpits. ...
/a/armhole.htm - 7k

Worn-out (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put now these rags and
worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords. Jeremiah did so. ...
/w/worn-out.htm - 7k

Rags (6 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put now these rags and
worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords. Jeremiah did so. ...
/r/rags.htm - 8k

E'bed-Mel'ech (6 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Jeremiah 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put now these
rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords. ...
/e/e'bed-mel'ech.htm - 8k

Ebedmelech (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV). Jeremiah 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put now these
rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords. ...
/e/ebedmelech.htm - 9k

Pad (1 Occurrence)
... Pad (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put
now these rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords. ...
/p/pad.htm - 8k

Armrests (2 Occurrences)

/a/armrests.htm - 7k

Armoury (3 Occurrences)

/a/armoury.htm - 8k

Worn (29 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put now these rags and
worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords. Jeremiah did so. ...
/w/worn.htm - 14k

What does the Bible say about shaving? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus