Strong’s G4628: A neuter noun meaning “leg,” specifically referring to the entire leg from hip to foot. In the New Testament, it appears only in John’s Gospel during the crucifixion narrative, describing the Roman practice of breaking the legs of crucified victims to hasten death.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκέλος carries profound significance in its New Testament context, appearing specifically in the crucifixion narrative where the soldiers break the legs of those crucified but find Jesus already dead, fulfilling prophecy (John 19:36). This word connects the physical reality of Jesus’ death with Old Testament prophecy, particularly referencing the Passover lamb whose bones were not to be broken. Early church fathers saw in this detail both the fulfillment of Scripture and evidence of Christ’s genuine death, emphasizing both His humanity and His role as the perfect sacrifice.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκέλος, skelos, SKEL-os
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκέ (ske) λος (los) – stress on first syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *skel- (to bend, crooked)
• Related to skeletal terminology
• Basic anatomical term in ancient Greek

D – Defining Meanings

• Leg (entire limb)
• Lower limb
• Support member of body

Translation Options:

• Leg – most common and accurate translation
• Limb – broader anatomical term
• Shank – specific to lower leg portion

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κνήμη (knēmē, KNEE-may) – See G2867: Shin or lower leg
• μηρός (mēros, may-ROS) – See G3382: Thigh
• πούς (pous, poos) – See G4228: Foot

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural (σκέλη)
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

The word follows regular third declension patterns for neuter nouns, with specific case endings depending on its function in the sentence.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its anatomical precision. Thayer’s notes its use in crucifixion contexts. LSJ documents its widespread use in medical literature. Vine’s highlights its significance in fulfilling prophecy. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from medical papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 19:31: “Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the [legs] [σκέλος] broken and the bodies taken down.”

Additional References:
John 19:32, John 19:33

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκέλος appears at a crucial moment in Jesus’ passion narrative, confirming both His actual death and His identity as the perfect Passover Lamb. Its use helps proclaim the good news by showing how even in death, Jesus fulfilled Scripture perfectly, demonstrating He is truly the promised Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

• The term appears only in John’s crucifixion account in the New Testament
• Breaking the legs was a common Roman method to hasten death in crucifixion
• The unbroken legs of Jesus fulfilled Exodus 12:46 regarding the Passover lamb

Strong’s G4628: A neuter noun meaning “leg,” specifically referring to the entire leg from hip to foot. In the New Testament, it appears only in John’s Gospel during the crucifixion narrative, describing the Roman practice of breaking the legs of crucified victims to hasten death.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: anatomy, crucifixion, prophecy, passover-lamb, death-of-jesus, roman-customs, fulfillment, john-gospel, legs, bones, crucifixion-practices, medical-terms​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​