רֶ֫גֶל (re.gel)

The Hebrew noun regel denotes the foot or leg, emphasizing its function in movement and standing. It appears frequently across the Old Testament, often describing physical posture or travel. For instance, God commands Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5), highlighting the foot’s connection to place and reverence. The word also describes the physical actions of animals and humans alike, such as the feet of seraphim in Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:2) or the footsteps of those following a leader (Judges 4:10).

Its meaning extends beyond anatomy to include metaphorical concepts like duration or pace. In Deuteronomy 11:10, the land is described as being watered "by foot," referring to irrigation methods that rely on human labor rather than rain. The term can also signify a step or journey, as when Jacob speaks of his journey (Genesis 29:1). Occasionally, it serves as a euphemism for sexual organs, though this usage is less common in the provided texts.

The root verb ragal implies walking or pacing, which gives regel its sense of measured movement. This connection helps explain phrases like "according to the pace of" (Genesis 33:14), where the speed of travel depends on the strength of the weakest foot. The word’s versatility allows it to bridge the physical and the spiritual, from the literal feet of pilgrims to the symbolic presence of God.