Reins a name for the kidneys, derived from the Latin renes, and in our English Bible employed in those passages of the Old Test. in which the ierm for kidneys (כּלָיוֹת, kelayoth) is used metaphorically, i.e. except in the Pentateuch and in Isa 34:6, where this word is rendered "kidneys." In the ancient system of physiology the kidneys, from the sensitiveness of that part of the person, were believed to be the seat of desire and longing, which accounts for their often being coupled with the heart (Ps 7:9; Ps 26:2; Jer 11:20; Jer 17:10,: etc.). SEE KIDNEYS.
The word "reins" is once used (Isa 11:5) as the equivalent of חֲלָצָיַם, chalatsayim, elsewhere translated "loins" (q.v.).
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More