Bible Dictionary
CROOK-BACKED
Crook-backed describes an angular curvature or deformity of the spine. Such a condition disqualified a descendant of Aaron from serving as a priest, though he could still share in the priestly provisions.
Definition
Crook-backed describes an angular curvature or deformity of the spine. In the priestly regulations, such a physical condition disqualified a descendant of Aaron from priestly service, though he remained entitled to priestly provisions.
Biblical Usage
The condition is listed among bodily defects excluding a priest from service. The bent woman whom Jesus healed is described as suffering from a chronic spinal condition, and His healing exposed the error of those who objected to the Sabbath restoration.
Historical Background
The deformity was probably spinal curvature caused by disease of the vertebrae. Similar conditions were observed in ancient Egyptian remains and among people in Palestine; some rabbinical authorities associated deformities with Satan.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>krook'-bakt (gibben; kurtos): A disqualification for the priesthood (Le 21:20); was probably an angular curvature of the spine, usually the result of tubercular caries of the vertebrae. It was by no means uncommon in ancient Egypt, where I have found a considerable number of spines affected with this disease. Some Talmudic authorities explain it as meaning "very dark colored," but this is unlikely.</p><p>The woman bound by the spirit of infirmity and unable to lift herself (Lu 13:11-17) was affected with senile kyphosis, a chronic bone disease often found among aged men (and more frequently women) whose lives have been spent in agricultural labor. In these the vertebrae become altered in shape so that it is impossible to straighten the back. Some rabbinical authorities believed all deformities to be due to Satan, and to this our Lord seems to have alluded in his rebuke to those who caviled at His healing on the Sabbath. I have found this condition in some Egyptian skeletons, and have seen it in a Palestinian fellah. A skeleton affected with a similar curvature was found buried under the threshold of a house at Gezer, where she had evidently been offered as a foundation sacrifice.</p><p>Alex. Macalister</p>