Legs
Summary
The lower limbs of humans or animals; referenced in sacrificial regulations and symbolic imagery.
☩Sacrificial Regulations
In preparing burnt offerings, the inwards and legs of the animal were washed in water before being burned on the altar (Leviticus 1:9, 13; 9:14). This washing symbolized cleansing and the requirement of purity in approaching God. The legs and other portions were wholly consumed in the burnt offering.
☩Christ's Crucifixion
At crucifixion, breaking the legs hastened death by preventing the victim from pushing up to breathe. The soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals crucified with Jesus, but finding Jesus already dead, they did not break His legs (John 19:31-33). This fulfilled Scripture: 'A bone of him shall not be broken' (John 19:36), connecting Jesus with the Passover lamb whose bones were to remain unbroken (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12).
Related Verses19 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Legs," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Legs," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).