Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Estimation of Contact Regions Between Hands and Objects During Human Multi-Digit Grasping
Published on: April 21, 2023
[Fingers, toes and thumbs, correct digital nomenclature based on early Hebrew texts]
Efraim D Leibner1, Eli London, Ofer Elishoov
1Foot and Ankle Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel. leibner@hadassah.org.il
Introduction:
There is some dissonance as to the correct Hebrew terms for the digits of the extremities. Terms in common use include 'Etzba, 'Bohen' and 'Agudal'. While most agree that 'Etzba' in the singular represents the index finger, there is debate about the plural (Etzba'ot), whether it represents 'fingers' (upper extremity only) or 'digits' (upper and lower). The meaning of 'Bohen' is disputed as well, with proponents existing for it to represent: 'Toe', 'Big Toe' or 'Big Digit'. 'Agudal' is in the same predicament, with uses as 'Thumb' or 'Big Digit'.
Methods:
We undertook a computerized search of the Bible for these words and their derivatives in order to establish their correct use.
Results:
The term 'Etzba' and its derivatives appeared numerous times in the scriptures both in singular and in plural. 'Bohen' appeared somewhat less, however, all appearances were in conjunction, viz" 'Bohen' of the hand" or " 'Bohen' of the foot". 'Agudal' was not found in our computerized search.
Discussion And Conclusions:
According to the early Hebrew texts 'Etzba' in singular usually represents the index finger. However, the plural form 'Etzba'ot', corresponds to the term 'digits' and may be used both for fingers and toes. 'Bohen' is a term representing the large digit of all extremities, i.e. both 'Thumb' and 'Hallux'. Likewise, the term 'Agudal', while not appearing in the scriptures, appears in later contexts in early Hebrew texts, and also represents both the thumb and the hallux.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomical Terminology
Regional Terms
Primarily, the human body has two major regions, the axial and appendicular regions. The axial region comprises regions from the head to the abdomen and makes up the central body axis. In contrast,...
Directional Terms
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...

