Since it is pillow talk week on CUF here goes:
One of the best examples of euphemisms in the Old Testament are phrases involving "feet." Particularly "uncovering or covering of feet." It is a general purpose euphemism for "genitals." It, naturally, often is used as a sexual emphemism but not always. For example, there is the famous story involving David sneaking up and cutting off part of Sauls's robe (1 Samuel 24:3-4):
In context, Saul is urinating or doing other plumbing related business (The LDS chapter heading refers to David catching Saul sleeping which I think adds to the humor) when David sneaks up on him. Understanding the euphemism here is actually important to get the full literary force of the passage.
However, my favorite passage using this euphemism is from Ezekiel 16:25 where Jerusalem is described as the following:
I trust that the meaning of "hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by" is apparent. Ezekiel was a funny ... seriously funny.
Of course, the most famous story in the OT that this probably affects is the story of Ruth (I say probably because there are at least some commentators who believe it is not used euphemistically but I personally don't think the story makes sense without it):
For those that didn't know you will never read Ruth the same way again.
One of the best examples of euphemisms in the Old Testament are phrases involving "feet." Particularly "uncovering or covering of feet." It is a general purpose euphemism for "genitals." It, naturally, often is used as a sexual emphemism but not always. For example, there is the famous story involving David sneaking up and cutting off part of Sauls's robe (1 Samuel 24:3-4):
3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. 4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose , and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
However, my favorite passage using this euphemism is from Ezekiel 16:25 where Jerusalem is described as the following:
25 Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred , and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by , and multiplied thy whoredoms
Of course, the most famous story in the OT that this probably affects is the story of Ruth (I say probably because there are at least some commentators who believe it is not used euphemistically but I personally don't think the story makes sense without it):
3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking . 4 And it shall be, when he lieth down , that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie , and thou shalt go in , and uncover his feet, and lay thee down ; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do .
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