In Greek literature this word refers to the back of humans or animals, particularly the spine and surrounding musculature. Paul quotes Psalm 69:23 in Romans 11:10, invoking judgment language: 'bend their backs continually.' The imagery is of crushing burden or perpetual stooping—a posture of defeat. While the word appears in Homer describing warriors and animals, the New Testament's single use draws from the Septuagint's metaphorical tradition, where a bent back symbolizes oppression or divine judgment.