You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘under the thigh’ tag.
Join 120 other subscribers
Recently Popular:
I. The Book of Genesis
- A) Genesis 1
- B) Genesis 2
- C) Genesis 3
- D) Genesis 4
- E) Genesis 5
- F) Genesis 6
- G) Genesis 7
- H) Genesis 8
- I) Genesis 9
- J) Genesis 10
- K) Genesis 11
- L) Genesis 12
- M) Genesis 13
- N) Genesis 14
- O) Genesis 15
- P) Genesis 16
- Q) Genesis 17
- R) Genesis 18
- S) Genesis 19
- T) Genesis 20
- U) Genesis 21
- V) Genesis 22
- W) Genesis 23
- X) Genesis 24
- Y) Genesis 25
- Z) Genesis 26
- ZA) Genesis 27
Pondering Scripture 
Genesis 24:9 – An Awkward Oath
January 5, 2011 in Bible, Genesis Commentary | Tags: Abraham, Eliezer, Genesis, Genesis 24, oath, under his thigh, under the thigh | by jhonse | Leave a comment
“So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.” Gen. 24:9
The phrase “place your hand under my thigh” is awkward to speak, and is most likely referring to the male organ or testicles. Today we take oaths on a sacred object, such as a bible. Jews may swear on a t’fillin or a Torah scroll (Plaut).
According to Rashi, the fact that God asked Abraham to circumcise himself, or perhaps the importance of the seed of Abraham and the promises it held for the future, made the organ the most significant object to place hands on.
Conversely, for the servant, an oath taken in such a manner may mean the curse of sterility if the oath is not kept. (Plaut)