[Fingers, toes and thumbs, correct digital nomenclature based on early Hebrew texts].
BACKGROUND
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.


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.
Leibner
Efraim D
ED
Foot and Ankle Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel. leibner@hadassah.org.il
London
Eli
E
Elishoov
Ofer
O
D005385:Fingers; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D007599:Judaism; D007802:Language; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D013933:Thumb; D014034:Toes