sinew

A word that in biblical usage appears to cover a variety of anatomical elements, including tendons, ligaments, and possibly muscle and other tissues. In (Gen 32:32) it may even refer to nerve tissue. It is used figuratively in (Isa 48:4) for stubbornness. In (Job 10:11 and (Ezek 37:6), Ezek 37:8) the actual connective human tissues seem to be involved. “The sinews of his thighs” in (Job 40:17) in the description of an animal in sexual arousal or anger may refer to the penis or related organs.