Definition: And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacobâs thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 32:25. It's a really significant and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jacob is wrestling with an angel: In the story of Genesis 32, Jacob, one of the twelve sons of Abraham, is having a huge struggle with a mysterious figure – an angel. He can't win: Jacob is clearly trying to wrestle or overpower this angel, but he’s failing miserably. He keeps getting beat down and unable to make progress. The hollow is out of joint: This is the key part. As Jacob struggles, he notices something strange – the hollow (a space) in his thigh is out of joint . It's not just a little bit loose; it’s completely disconnected from the rest of his body. What does this all mean? A Test of Faith: This story is often interpreted as a test of Jacob’s faith and willingness to submit to God’s will. He was resisting a powerful force, and God was testing him to see how he'd react. Breaking Free from Restriction: The "hollow out of joint" symbolizes that Jacob was being held captive by his own fears, anxieties, or limitations. It represents a feeling of being stuck in a situation where you can’t move forward. God’s Grace and Power: It also suggests that God's power is greater than any challenge we face. He doesn’t need our strength to overcome us; He can shift the balance of power. In short, this verse highlights a moment where Jacob was challenged by an overwhelming force, but through his submission and trust in God, he experienced a profound shift – his spirit was released. Important Note: This is one of the most debated passages in Genesis! Different interpretations exist, but it's generally understood to be a symbolic representation of a significant turning point in Jacob’s life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this story? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse (like the "hollow")? Connect it to other stories or themes in the Bible?