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H755 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַרְכֻּבָה
Arkkubah
Noun, feminine
Knee

Definition

The Aramaic word arkkubah (אַרְכֻּבָה) means knee and appears in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in Daniel 5:6. This word is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew berek (H1290). The knee is used throughout Scripture as a powerful symbol of worship, submission, fear, and reverence — whether bowing before God or trembling before a king.

Usage & Theological Significance

Bowing the knee in Scripture represents total submission and acknowledgment of supreme authority. The promise that "every knee will bow" before God (Isaiah 45:23) is picked up in the New Testament and applied directly to Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:10), establishing His divine lordship. In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar's knees knocked together in terror at the divine handwriting on the wall, a physical response to the sudden awareness of divine judgment. The posture of the knees — bowed or trembling — reveals the condition of the heart toward God.

Key Bible Verses

Daniel 5:6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.
Daniel 6:10 Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Isaiah 45:23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow.
1 Kings 19:18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel — all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.
Ezra 9:5 Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God.

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