Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the concept of the "back" is often used both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing strength, burden, rebellion, and divine judgment. The term appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, illustrating different aspects of human experience and spiritual truth.Literal Use The back is frequently mentioned in the Bible in a literal sense, often in relation to physical burdens or labor. In Exodus 23:5, the Israelites are instructed to help their enemy's donkey if it has fallen under its burden, highlighting the physical strain that can be placed on the back: "If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it." Symbol of Burden The back is also a symbol of carrying burdens, both physical and spiritual. In Psalm 81:6, God speaks of relieving the burden from the shoulders of His people: "I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket." This imagery underscores God's deliverance and care for His people, lifting the weight of oppression and hardship from their backs. Rebellion and Turning Away Metaphorically, turning one's back is often associated with rebellion or rejection of God. In Jeremiah 32:33, the prophet laments the people's disobedience: "They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline." This turning away signifies a deliberate choice to reject God's guidance and commands. Divine Judgment The back is also used in the context of divine judgment. In Isaiah 50:6, the suffering servant speaks of offering his back to those who beat him, a prophetic reference to the Messiah's suffering: "I offered My back to those who beat Me, My cheeks to those who tore out My beard; I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle." This passage highlights the willingness to endure suffering and humiliation as part of God's redemptive plan. Protection and Support Conversely, the back can symbolize protection and support. In Isaiah 58:8, the Lord promises His protection to those who live righteously: "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." Here, the "rear guard" signifies God's protective presence, safeguarding His people from behind. Submission and Servitude In some instances, the back represents submission and servitude. In Genesis 49:15, Issachar is described as a strong donkey lying down between two burdens, willing to submit to forced labor: "When he sees how good his resting place is and how pleasant is his land, he will bend his shoulder to the burden and submit to forced labor." This imagery conveys the idea of accepting one's role and responsibilities, even under difficult circumstances. Throughout the Bible, the imagery of the back serves as a powerful symbol of human experience, reflecting themes of burden, rebellion, judgment, protection, and submission. These references provide insight into the spiritual and moral lessons conveyed through the Scriptures, illustrating the complex relationship between humanity and the divine. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n. pl.) Among leather dealers, the thickest and stoutest tanned hides.Greek 3577. notos -- the back ... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition the back NASB Word Usage backs (1). back. Of uncertain affinity; the back -- back. (noton) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3577.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 6203. oreph -- back of the neck, neck... Word Origin from an unused word Definition back of the neck, neck NASB Word Usage back (5), backs (5), became stubborn* (2), neck (11), necks (2), obstinate* (4 ... /hebrew/6203.htm - 6k 1354. gab -- a back 268. achor -- the hind side, back part 1458. gav -- the back 3802. katheph -- shoulder, shoulder blade, side Library The Bed and Its Covering As Soon as I had Gotten Intelligence of This... Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat What was Prophetically Prefigured in the Sons of Noah. That the Sole Cause of the Decay and Cooling of Charity is in the ... Various Passages which Clearly Show that we Cannot do Anything ... The Carrying of the Cross. Turning Back in the Day of Battle Self-Examination The Riot at Philippi Thesaurus Backs (46 Occurrences)...Backs (46 Occurrences). Matthew 23:4 They make hard laws and put great weights on men's backs; but they themselves will not put a finger to them. (BBE). ... /b/backs.htm - 21k Foes (95 Occurrences) Turning (381 Occurrences) Enemies (317 Occurrences) Worshipping (49 Occurrences) Run (147 Occurrences) Faces (158 Occurrences) Hard-hearted (12 Occurrences) Flight (325 Occurrences) Unable (102 Occurrences) Resources Summary of the Book of Hosea - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean when Jesus says, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30)? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven I AM statements in the Gospel of John? | GotQuestions.org Backs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Backs (46 Occurrences)Matthew 23:4 Acts 3:13 Romans 11:10 2 Timothy 3:5 Titus 1:14 Titus 1:16 2 Peter 2:21 Genesis 9:23 Genesis 45:23 Exodus 12:34 Exodus 23:27 Numbers 7:9 Deuteronomy 29:5 Joshua 7:8 Joshua 7:12 Joshua 9:5 Joshua 23:13 Judges 20:42 2 Samuel 22:41 2 Kings 5:17 2 Kings 8:9 2 Kings 17:16 2 Chronicles 29:6 2 Chronicles 35:3 Nehemiah 9:26 Nehemiah 9:29 Job 19:18 Psalms 18:40 Psalms 21:12 Psalms 66:11 Psalms 69:23 Proverbs 19:29 Proverbs 26:3 Isaiah 1:4 Isaiah 30:6 Isaiah 30:16 Isaiah 46:7 Isaiah 51:23 Isaiah 59:13 Jeremiah 2:27 Jeremiah 32:33 Ezekiel 8:16 Ezekiel 10:12 Ezekiel 27:20 Ezekiel 29:7 Zechariah 7:11 Subtopics Related Terms |