גִּיד (gid)
gid
sinew
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word gid refers to a sinew, the tough fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. In the biblical text, it appears only three times, making it a rare but physically precise term. Its occurrences in Job and Isaiah highlight the physical reality of the human body, grounding abstract theological concepts in tangible anatomy.
While often translated simply as "sinew," the word carries the weight of structural integrity. It is not merely flesh but the binding force that enables movement and strength. When used in contexts describing suffering or examination, such as in Job’s lament, it underscores the fragility of human physicality against divine power.
The rarity of gid emphasizes its specific function. Unlike broader terms for body parts, it points to the mechanism of action itself. This precision allows translators to convey the exact nature of the physical description without ambiguity, reminding readers that biblical language often attends closely to the details of created matter.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gid refers to the tough sinews that bind muscle to bone. It appears only three times in Scripture, yet each instance carries significant weight. In Job 10:11, it describes how God knit us together, highlighting the intricate design of our physical bodies. This precision reminds us that we are not accidents but carefully crafted beings.
When Job laments his suffering, he recalls these sinews as part of what makes him human. They represent structural integrity and strength. Even in Isaiah 48:4, the image of an iron sinew illustrates stubbornness, showing how physical traits can reflect spiritual states. Understanding gid helps us appreciate the tangible reality of our creation.
Reflecting on this word invites gratitude for the body God gave you. It is a reminder that every part, even the hidden ones like sinews, has purpose. This knowledge encourages humility and thankfulness for the complexity of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ sinews1×
- and/ [was] a sinew of1×
- [the] sinews of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ֝/גִידִ֗ים1×
- וְ/גִ֤יד1×
- גִּידֵ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Job 10:11
You have clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.
This verse uses gid to describe God's intimate act of knitting Job together, emphasizing divine craftsmanship in human formation.
-
Isaiah 48:4
Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow bronze;
Here, an iron sinew metaphorically depicts Israel’s obstinacy, linking physical toughness to spiritual stubbornness.