Testicles
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Definition and Biological Context:
Testicles, also known as testes, are the male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and hormones, primarily testosterone. In the context of biblical times, the understanding of anatomy was limited, but the function of testicles as a source of male fertility and virility was recognized.

Biblical References and Symbolism:
The Bible, while not explicitly detailing the anatomy of the testicles, makes several references that imply their importance in the context of lineage, fertility, and covenantal promises. The testicles are indirectly referenced in various passages that discuss male offspring, reproduction, and the continuation of family lines.

1. Levitical Laws and Physical Wholeness:
In Leviticus 21:20, the text refers to physical blemishes that disqualify a man from priestly service, including "a man with crushed testicles." This indicates the importance of physical wholeness and integrity in those serving in sacred roles. The condition of the testicles is seen as a reflection of a man's ability to fulfill his role in the community and before God.

2. Deuteronomy and Physical Mutilation:
Deuteronomy 23:1 states, "No man with crushed or severed genitals may enter the assembly of the LORD." This law underscores the significance of physical integrity and the symbolic representation of completeness and purity required for participation in the religious community.

3. Oaths and Covenants:
In ancient Near Eastern culture, oaths were sometimes taken by placing a hand under the thigh, a euphemism that some scholars suggest refers to the testicles. This act symbolized the seriousness of the oath, invoking one's progeny and future generations as witnesses to the promise. An example of this practice is found in Genesis 24:2-3, where Abraham instructs his servant to swear an oath concerning finding a wife for Isaac.

4. Procreation and Blessings:
The ability to procreate was seen as a blessing from God, and the testicles were implicitly involved in this divine gift. Passages that discuss the blessing of offspring, such as Genesis 17:6, where God promises Abraham, "I will make you exceedingly fruitful," highlight the importance of male fertility in fulfilling God's promises.

Cultural and Theological Implications:
In biblical times, the testicles were associated with strength, virility, and the continuation of one's lineage. The emphasis on physical wholeness and the ability to produce offspring reflects broader theological themes of covenant, blessing, and the perpetuation of God's chosen people. The laws and narratives concerning the testicles serve as reminders of the sacredness of the body and the divine purpose in human reproduction.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide detailed anatomical descriptions, the references to the testicles within the context of laws, oaths, and blessings reveal their significance in the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel. These references underscore the importance of physical integrity and the role of male fertility in the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.
Strong's Hebrew
810. eshek -- a testicle
... 809, 810. eshek. 811 . a testicle. Transliteration: eshek Phonetic Spelling:
(eh'-shek) Short Definition: testicles. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/810.htm - 5k
Library

For if Whatever is done by Men, and Especially in Religion...
... if indeed their favours are bought with the testicles and gullets of beasts, and
if they do not lay aside their anger and resentment, unless they see the ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/25 for if whatever is.htm

Whether Fear Makes one Tremble?
... Or else such like evacuations are due to contraction of the abdomen and
testicles, as the Philosopher says (De Problem. xxii, 11). ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether fear makes one tremble.htm

Thesaurus
Testicles (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Testicles (3 Occurrences). Leviticus 21:20 or
hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye ...
/t/testicles.htm - 7k

Itching (4 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 21:20 or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye,
or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles; (WEB RSV). ...
/i/itching.htm - 7k

Itch (11 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 21:20 or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye,
or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles; (Root in WEB DBY ...
/i/itch.htm - 11k

Festering (7 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 21:20 or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye,
or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles; (See NIV). ...
/f/festering.htm - 8k

Testest (1 Occurrence)

/t/testest.htm - 6k

Eczema (3 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 21:20 or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye,
or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles; (See NAS). ...
/e/eczema.htm - 7k

Damaged (44 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 21:20 or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye,
or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles; (WEB BBE NIV). ...
/d/damaged.htm - 20k

Dwarf (1 Occurrence)
... Leviticus 21:20 or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye,
or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles; (WEB KJV JPS ASV ...
/d/dwarf.htm - 8k

Bruised (36 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV). Leviticus 22:24 That which has its testicles bruised, crushed, broken,
or cut, you shall not offer to Yahweh; neither shall you do thus in your land. ...
/b/bruised.htm - 18k

Stones (244 Occurrences)
... (2) Used also anatomically of the testicles (Leviticus 21:20 Deuteronomy 23:1 Job
40:17, pachadh, the Revised Version (British and American) "thighs"). ...
/s/stones.htm - 74k

Resources
Why did oaths involve putting a hand under someone's thigh (Genesis 24:9)? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the Artemis mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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

Testicles: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Testicles (3 Occurrences)

Leviticus 21:20
or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye, or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles;
(WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Leviticus 22:24
That which has its testicles bruised, crushed, broken, or cut, you shall not offer to Yahweh; neither shall you do thus in your land.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 23:1
He who is wounded in the stones, or has his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the assembly of Yahweh.
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Testicles

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Testest
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