عضد

Core meaning

The arm, and from it the support one relies on in order to act.

Uses

1. عَضُد → "arm" : the arm one strengthens, or the one one leans on.

   • «سَنَشُدُّ عَضُدَكَ بِأَخِيكَ» — "We will strengthen your arm through your brother" (28:35)
   • «وَمَا كُنتُ مُتَّخِذَ ٱلْمُضِلِّينَ عَضُدًۭا» — "and I would never take those who mislead as an arm" (18:51)

Evidence from the text

In 28:35, Moussa has asked for his brother to help him; God answers by strengthening his arm through him, and by giving them both an authority: the arm says the force that acts. In 18:51, the arm is the one one leans on: God does not take as an arm those who mislead, any more than He made them witnesses to the creation of the heavens and the earth.

Distinctions

• ظهر — the back: the one who supports by lending his back, whereas عضد is the arm one leans on

See also

شدد (to strengthen)