בֹּ֫הֶן (bo.hen)
bo.hen
thumb/big toe
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun bohen refers specifically to the thumb or big toe. In every instance where it appears in Scripture, it is paired with its counterpart, describing both extremities simultaneously rather than one alone. This consistent pairing suggests a focus on the complete functionality of the hand or foot, emphasizing the whole limb’s capacity for action.
Its usage carries significant ritual weight, particularly in Leviticus, where it denotes the body part anointed with sacrificial blood during ordination ceremonies (Leviticus 8:25). The text highlights the physical act of placing blood on these specific digits, marking the individual’s consecration. In Judges 16:21, the same word describes the toes blinded by Samson’s captors, illustrating how this small part is essential for mobility and strength.
Translators typically render bohen as "thumb" or "big toe," depending on context. The word underscores the importance of these often-overlooked extremities in biblical narratives, whether for sacred rites or physical suffering. By specifying both thumb and toe together, the text reinforces the idea of total bodily involvement in divine or human events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bohen points to the thumb or big toe, small parts of the body that often go unnoticed in daily life. Yet Scripture highlights them repeatedly, showing that God cares about every part of who we are. In Leviticus, these extremities were anointed with blood during sacred ordinations, marking a person as set apart for holy service. This act signified that their entire being—hands to work and feet to walk—was dedicated to the Lord.
We see the same word used in Judges when Samson’s enemies cut off his thumbs and toes, stripping him of strength and mobility. Here, bohen reminds us of human vulnerability. No matter how strong we feel, our physical limits are real. But this awareness can bring comfort: if God notices the smallest digit during a ritual or in suffering, He certainly notices your whole self. You are known completely, not just in your visible achievements but in your hidden struggles too.
This focus on the extremities teaches us that holiness involves our entire physical existence. It is not enough to have right thoughts; our actions and movements matter. When we offer ourselves to God, we include every part of our lives. This completeness invites us to trust Him with all we do, knowing that even our smallest efforts are seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] thumb of7×
- [the] big toe of7×
- [the] thumbs of2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֹּ֥הֶן7×
- בֹּ֤הֶן7×
- בְּהֹנ֥וֹת1×
- בְּֽהֹנוֹת֩1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 8:23
He killed it; and Moses took some of its blood, and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the great toe of his right foot.
This verse establishes the pattern for priestly consecration, where blood on the thumb and toe signifies that the priest’s work and walk are fully sanctified.
-
Judges 1:7
Adoni-Bezek said, “Seventy kings, having their thumbs and their big toes cut off, scavenged under my table. As I have done, so God has done to me.” They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there.
Adoni-Bezek acknowledges that the cutting of his thumbs and toes was a direct consequence of his own actions, illustrating the principle of reaping what one sows.
-
Exodus 29:20
Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood, and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the tip of the right ear of his sons, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot; and sprinkle the blood around on the altar.
As the initial command for Aaron’s ordination, this verse sets the precedent that anointing these specific body parts marks them as holy instruments for God’s service.