שִׁכְמָה (shikh.mah)
shikh.mah
shoulder
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shikhmah refers to the shoulder, often extending to include the back or the nape of the neck. In biblical usage, it is not merely an anatomical term but a powerful symbol of strength and capacity. It represents the physical ability to bear weight, carry burdens, or support another person.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Job 31:7. Here, Job uses it in an oath of innocence, stating that if his foot had turned from the right way, or if his heart had followed his eyes, or if any spot had been found on his hands, then let my shoulder be torn from the socket. The vivid imagery underscores the severity of the hypothetical crime: he is willing to suffer the dislocation of this vital joint rather than have committed injustice.
Translators typically render shikhmah as "shoulder," capturing its primary meaning. However, the context in Job highlights its role as a point of connection and support. The shoulder bears the yoke; it carries the load. By invoking the potential destruction of this part of the body, Job emphasizes the integrity of his life’s work and his refusal to let others carry burdens that were not rightfully theirs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shikhmah points to the shoulder, a body part designed for bearing weight and strength. In Job 31:22, this term appears in a powerful oath of innocence. Job declares that if he had acted unjustly, he wants his shoulder to fall from its socket. This vivid image shows how deeply he valued integrity over comfort.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that we are called to carry our own responsibilities with honesty. It is not about bearing burdens alone, but doing so without deceit or hidden motives. When you face difficult tasks, remember that strength comes from a clear conscience and reliance on God’s grace.
May you find peace in knowing that your efforts are seen and valued. Trust that God provides the strength needed for every load you carry, and may your heart remain steady in doing what is right.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ its shoulder/ <towards>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/שִּׁכְמָ֣/ה1×
Key Verses
-
Job 31:22
then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder blade, and my arm be broken from the bone.
This verse uses shikhmah in Job's oath to emphasize his commitment to integrity by invoking a severe physical consequence for injustice.