Topical Encyclopedia The term "hump-backed" refers to a physical deformity characterized by a pronounced curvature of the spine, often resulting in a visible hump on the back. In biblical times, physical deformities were often viewed through a cultural and religious lens, influencing how individuals with such conditions were perceived and treated within society.Biblical References: The condition of being hump-backed is specifically mentioned in the context of the Levitical laws concerning priestly qualifications. In Leviticus 21:16-23, God provides Moses with instructions regarding the physical requirements for those who may serve as priests. The passage states: "The LORD said to Moses, 'Say to Aaron: For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; no man with a crippled foot or hand, or who is a hunchback or a dwarf, or who has an eye defect, or who has festering or running sores or damaged testicles. No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the food offerings to the LORD. He has a defect; he must not come near to offer the food of his God. He may eat the most holy food of his God, as well as the holy food; yet because of his defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar, and so desecrate my sanctuary. I am the LORD, who makes them holy.'" (Leviticus 21:16-23, BSB) In this passage, the term "hunchback" is used to describe one of the physical conditions that disqualified a descendant of Aaron from serving in the priestly role. The emphasis on physical perfection for those serving in the sanctuary underscores the holiness and purity required in the presence of God. It reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane. Cultural and Theological Context: In ancient Israel, physical deformities were often seen as imperfections that could symbolize spiritual or moral deficiencies. The Levitical laws, therefore, served to maintain the sanctity and purity of the priesthood, which was a representation of the people's relationship with God. The exclusion of individuals with physical defects from priestly service was not a reflection of their worth or value in the eyes of God but rather a symbolic representation of the need for holiness in worship. Theologically, the laws concerning physical defects highlight the fallen state of humanity and the need for redemption. They point forward to the coming of Christ, who, through His perfect sacrifice, would fulfill the law and offer redemption to all, regardless of physical condition. In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry often included healing those with physical deformities, demonstrating God's compassion and the inclusivity of the Kingdom of God. Application in Christian Thought: In contemporary Christian thought, the emphasis is placed on the spiritual qualifications for service rather than physical perfection. The New Testament teaches that all believers are part of the "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9) and are called to serve God with the gifts and abilities they have been given. The focus is on the heart and character of the individual rather than outward appearance. The mention of the hump-backed condition in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness and the transformative power of God's grace, which enables all believers to serve Him regardless of physical limitations. Strong's Hebrew 1384. gibben -- crookbacked, humpbacked... 1383, 1384. gibben. 1385 . crookbacked, humpbacked. Transliteration: gibben Phonetic Spelling: (gib-bane') Short Definition: hunchback. ... /hebrew/1384.htm - 6k 7164. qaras -- to bend down, stoop, crouch Library Letter cvii. To Laeta. All his Insulting Epithets are Shewn by Facts to be False. The King's Highway Opened and Cleared Thesaurus Hump-backed (1 Occurrence)Hump-backed. Hump, Hump-backed. Humps . Multi-Version Concordance Hump-backed (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 21:20 or hump... /h/hump-backed.htm - 6k Lord (59401 Occurrences) Mixture (16 Occurrences) Broken-testicled (1 Occurrence) Withered (46 Occurrences) Spot (42 Occurrences) Humps (1 Occurrence) Hump (1 Occurrence) Resources Is there any validity to the Zeitgeist movie? | GotQuestions.orgIs belief in God nothing but wish fulfillment? | GotQuestions.org How does the sovereignty of God impact my everyday life? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hump-backed (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 21:20 Subtopics Related Terms |
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