Reins

The kidneys, the supposed seat of the desires and affections; used metaphorically for “heart.” The “reins” and the “heart” are often mentioned together, as denoting the whole moral constitution of man (Ps. 7:9; 16:7; 26:2; 139:13; Jer. 17:10, etc.).

(i.e. kidneys). In the ancient system of physiology the kidneys were believed to be the seat of desire and longing, which accounts for their often being coupled with the heart. (Psalms 7:9; 26:2; Jeremiah 11:20; 17:10), etc.

REINS. The reins or kidneys were considered by the Hebrews to be the seat of certain affections and emotions which we attribute to the heart. Hence a number of peculiarly Hebrew expressions. Ps 7:9; Jud 16:7; Jer 17:10; Jer 20:12.

REINS. The reins or kidneys were considered by the Hebrews to be the seat of certain affections and emotions which we attribute to the heart. Hence a number of peculiarly Hebrew expressions. Ps 7:9; Jud 16:7; Jer 17:10; Jer 20:12.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The kidneys; also, the region of the kidneys; the loins.

2. The inward impulses; the affections and passions; -- so called because formerly supposed to have their seat in the part of the body where the kidneys are. My reins rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. Prov. xxiii. 16. I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts. Rev. ii. 23. Reins of a vault (Arch.), the parts between the crown andd the spring or abutment, including, and having especial reference to, the loading or filling behind the shell of the vault. The reins are to a vault nearly what the haunches are to an arch, and when a vault gives way by thrusting outward, it is because its reins are not sufficiently filled up.