עֹ֫צֶם (o.tsem)

The Hebrew word oṣem carries two distinct meanings that often appear in the same texts: physical strength and the bones themselves. In the Old Testament, it functions as a concrete noun for the skeletal structure, but it frequently extends metaphorically to describe inner power, might, or vigor. This dual usage reflects an ancient understanding where the bones were seen not merely as structural supports, but as the very seat of a person’s vitality and resilience.

Its occurrence in just three verses highlights its specific poetic weight rather than general frequency. In Deuteronomy 32:13, it describes God nourishing Israel with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty rock, symbolizing a deep, sustaining strength. Similarly, Job uses the term to express his physical wasting away, where his bones are described as clung to his skin, emphasizing the fragility of the body when strength fails. These examples show how the word bridges the tangible reality of the skeleton with the abstract concept of enduring power.

Translators often render oṣem as "strength" or "might" when the context emphasizes capability, and as "bones" when referring to the physical form. The connection between the two ideas suggests that true strength in biblical thought is rooted in the core of one’s being. This lexical range allows the text to move seamlessly from describing physical decay to affirming spiritual fortitude, depending on the immediate literary setting.