Reference: Thigh
Hastings
The hollow of Jacob's thigh was strained as he wrestled at Peniel (Ge 32:25), and to this is attributed the Jewish custom (enjoined in the Mishna) of not eating 'the sinew of the hip' (Ge 32:32). On the thigh the sword was girded (Ex 32:27; Ps 45:3; Song 3:8); Ehud's on the right thigh because he was left-handed (Jg 3:16,21). Under the jealousy ordeal the woman's thigh falls away if she has been guilty of adultery (Nu 5:21 ff.). To smite 'hip and thigh' (lit. 'leg upon thigh') is a phrase denoting utter discomfiture accompanied by great slaughter (Jg 15:8). Its origin is unknown, and its meaning much disputed. Is Jer 31:19 and Eze 21:12 smiting upon one's thigh is a gesture of sorrow or terror. In Heb. (cf. Authorized Version margin) of Ge 46:25; Ex 1:5; Jg 8:30 a man's children are described as coming out of his thigh. This explains the oath taken by placing the hand under the thigh (Ge 24:2,9; 47:29), a special sacredness being ascribed to the organs of generation. In NT 'thigh' occurs only in Re 19:16, where perhaps the meaning is that the name was written on that part of the garment which covered the thigh.
J. C. Lambert.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Abraham said to the senior servant of his household who was in charge of all that he owned: Take a solemn oath.
The servant placed his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master. He swore to him concerning this matter.
The man saw that he was not able to overcome Jacob. He gave him a blow in the hollow part of his thigh, so that his leg was damaged.
Therefore, even today the people of Israel do not eat the muscle of the thigh (the sinew) attached to the hip socket. This is because God touched the socket of Jacob's thigh at the muscle.
These were the descendants of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel. She gave birth to these sons for Jacob. The total was seven.
When the time drew near for him to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him: Place your hand under my thighs and make a solemn vow that you will not bury me in Egypt.
Joseph was already in Egypt. The total number of Jacob's descendants was seventy.
He said to them, Jehovah, the God of Israel says: 'Each man put his sword by his side. Go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp. Kill each one his brother, and each one his neighbor, and each one his kindred.'
Jehovah will make you an example for your people to see what happens when the curse of this oath comes true: Jehovah will make your uterus drop and your stomach swell. Then the priest will administer the oath and the curse by saying:
Ehud made himself a double-edged sword about a foot and a half long. He fastened it on his right side under his clothes.
With his left hand Ehud took the sword from his right side and plunged it into the king's belly.
He attacked them fiercely and killed many of them. After that he stayed in the cave in the cliff at Etam.
Buckle on your sword, mighty king in your splendor and majesty.
They all hold swords. They are experts in war. Every man has his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.
We turned away from you. But soon we wanted to return. After you had punished us we hung our heads in grief. We were ashamed and disgraced because we sinned when we were young.'
Cry out and wail, son of man, for it is against my people; it is against all the officials of Israel. They are delivered over to the sword with my people. Therefore strike your thigh.
He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings and Lord of Lords!