בֶּ֫רֶךְ (be.rekh)
be.rekh
knee
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun berekh refers simply to the knee, the joint connecting the thigh and lower leg. In the Old Testament, it appears in twenty-one verses, with notable usage in Judges, Isaiah, and Kings. The word describes a physical body part, often in contexts involving posture, movement, or vulnerability.
Its meaning extends beyond anatomy into symbolic action. People kneel to receive newborn children, as seen when Jacob blesses his grandsons (Genesis 30:3) and when parents fondle their infants (Isaiah 66:12). It also marks submission or prayer, such as when Elijah bows with his face between his knees (1 Kings 18:42) or when Daniel prays on his knees (Daniel 10:10). In Ezekiel, "all the knees" signifies universal trembling before judgment (Ezekiel 7:17).
The sources note a figurative sense where knees become weak from fear. This physical reaction illustrates spiritual or emotional collapse. Translators usually keep the literal term "knee," allowing the image of bending or shaking to convey humility, reverence, or terror without needing additional explanation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word berekh simply means knee. It describes the joint that allows us to bend, rest, or bow. In Scripture, this physical part of the body often shows how we relate to God and others. We see it in moments of deep prayer, like when Elijah bowed his face between his knees on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:42). It also appears in tender scenes of family care, such as children being held on a parent’s lap.
For your daily life, this word reminds you that humility is not weakness. Bending the knee can be an act of trust, like Daniel praying despite danger (Daniel 10:10). It can also signal surrender to God’s authority, as Isaiah describes every knee bowing before Him (Isaiah 45:23). When you feel weak or tired, remember that even physical weakness can lead to spiritual strength. God meets us in our lowly positions.
This simple body part connects our physical state with our spiritual posture. Whether you are resting in safety or standing in awe, your knees can be a place of encounter. You do not need to perform perfectly to approach God. Coming before Him with an open heart is enough.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- knees/ his6×
- knees/ my4×
- the/ knees2×
- knees/ her2×
- knees2×
- and/ knees2×
- knees/ their1×
- knee1×
- [the] knees of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּרְכַּ֔/י2×
- וּ/בִרְכַּ֥יִם1×
- וּ/בִרְכַּ֖יִם1×
- הַ/בִּרְכַּ֙יִם֙1×
- הַ/בִּרְכַּ֗יִם1×
- בֶּ֔רֶךְ1×
- בִּרְכָּי/ו֙1×
- בִּרְכָּֽי/ו\׃1×
- בִּרְכָּ֣י/ו\׀1×
- בִּרְכָּ֖י/ו1×
- בִּרְכָּ֔י/ו1×
- בִּרְכָּ֑י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 10:10
Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
A divine touch sets Daniel on his knees, illustrating how God’s presence can physically overwhelm and humble the believer.
-
Isaiah 45:23
I have sworn by myself. The word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and will not be revoked, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.
This verse uses every knee bowing as a universal image of ultimate submission to God’s sovereign authority.
-
Genesis 48:12
Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
Joseph bringing the children out from between his knees highlights the knee as a place of familial blessing and honor.
-
Isaiah 35:3
Strengthen the weak hands, and make the feeble knees firm.
The command to make feeble knees firm encourages believers to strengthen their spiritual resolve when they feel weak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does berekh mean in the Bible?
Why do people kneel in biblical prayers?
Is there a difference between kneeling and bowing down?
How is berekh used in non-religious contexts?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 11 books)
Genesis 3 verses
She said, “Behold, my maid Bilhah. Go in to her, that she may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain children by her.”
Genesis 48:12Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
Genesis 50:23Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children also of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on…