רֶגֶל
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Definition
The Hebrew noun רֶגֶל (regel) primarily means 'foot,' referring literally to the human foot (Genesis 18:4) or the foot of an animal. By extension, it signifies the act of walking or a step, as in a journey or path (Genesis 33:14). In certain contexts, it is used euphemistically for the private parts (e.g., Exodus 4:25, Isaiah 7:20). The word also appears in idiomatic expressions, such as 'at the foot of' a mountain (Exodus 24:4) or 'under the foot' to denote subjugation (Joshua 10:24).
Biblical Usage
Regel appears over 230 times across most Old Testament books, especially in narrative and poetic texts. Its most common use is literal, describing feet in contexts of washing (Genesis 19:2), anointing (Ruth 3:7), or resting (Exodus 24:10). It frequently denotes movement or travel, as in 'set your foot' on a land (Deuteronomy 11:24) or 'follow at the foot' of someone (Genesis 30:30). The euphemistic sense is rarer, found in legal (Deuteronomy 28:57) and prophetic texts. The plural form (רַגְלַיִם) is standard for the paired body part.
Etymology
Derived from the root רָגַל (ragal, H7270), which means 'to go on foot,' 'spy out,' or 'slander.' This root conveys the idea of trampling or traversing. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic 'rgl' and Arabic 'rijl,' both meaning 'foot.' The development from a verb of movement to the noun for the body part that enables walking is straightforward.
Semantic Range
Regel is theologically significant as it often appears in contexts of divine presence, worship, and covenant. The phrase 'footstool' (e.g., 1 Chronicles 28:2, Psalm 99:5) symbolizes God's sovereignty and the temple as His dwelling. Washing feet was an act of hospitality and humility, exemplified by Abraham (Genesis 18:4) and Jesus (John 13). The concept of a blessed 'foot' or journey underscores God's guidance (Psalm 119:105), while enemies placed underfoot illustrates divine judgment and victory (Psalm 110:1). Understanding regel enriches passages about submission, service, and God's tangible presence with His people.
In ancient Israelite culture, the foot was a powerful symbol. Bare feet could indicate mourning, reverence (Exodus 3:5), or poverty. Washing a guest's feet was a fundamental duty of hospitality. The euphemistic use reflects cultural modesty in discussing anatomy. Unlike modern individualistic focus, the foot often represented one's entire presence, strength, and path in life. Sandals were removed in holy places, and dust shaken from feet could signify the rejection of a community (Matthew 10:14, drawing on this cultural idea).
כַּף (kaph, H3709) — 'palm, sole'; specifically the hollow of the hand or foot. פַּעַם (paʿam, H6471) — 'step, foot, occurrence'; focuses more on the instance of stepping or a beat in time. קֶרֶן (qeren, H7161) — 'horn'; used metaphorically for strength or a corner, but not for the body part.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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