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The kidneys in the Bible: what happened?
1Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. geknoyan@bcm.tmc.edu
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|November 4, 2005
Summary
The Bible mentions kidneys over 30 times, figuratively representing emotions and wisdom. Advances in nephrology and brain function understanding have led to the metaphorical use of kidneys fading in modern interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Biblical studies
- Medical humanities
- History of medicine
Background:
- The kidneys are mentioned over 30 times in the Bible, often in relation to sacrificial rites and as a metaphor for inner human qualities.
- Early English translations used "reins" to distinguish metaphorical from anatomical uses of kidneys.
Observation:
- In the Bible, kidneys are cited figuratively as the seat of temperament, emotions, prudence, vigor, and wisdom.
- They are depicted as organs examined by God, alongside the heart, reflecting an individual's psyche.
- Kidneys are also referenced as a site of divine punishment for transgressions.
Findings:
- Linguistic shifts in Bible translations replaced "reins" with "soul" or "mind," diminishing the metaphorical significance of kidneys.
- The scientific understanding of kidneys as excretory organs, and the brain's perceived centrality, contributed to this erosion.
- Advances in nephrology, particularly kidney transplantation and the redefinition of death, indirectly impacted the metaphorical interpretation of kidneys in religious texts.
Implications:
- The study highlights the dynamic interplay between scientific understanding, linguistic evolution, and religious interpretation.
- It suggests that as scientific knowledge advances, the metaphorical language in ancient texts may be re-evaluated or replaced.
- The findings offer insights into how cultural and scientific shifts can alter the perception and representation of the human body in religious contexts.