The Literal Commandment
Therefore, to this day the sons of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the socket of the thigh, because he touched the socket of Jacob's thigh in the sinew of the hip." (Genesis 32:32)
This does not appear to be a direct commandment, rather, it seems to be recognition of a traditional way of honoring the patriarch Jacob— not eating the sinew of the hip which is on the socket of the thigh— since that is the place where G-d touched Jacob as they wrestled (Genesis 32:25).
Messiah Says
Messiah implicitly affirmed this commandment when He spoke about the Law:
"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19)
Some have asked about Mark 7:19. Messiah was speaking of ritual impurity resulting from eating bread with unwashed hands. We recommend this detailed study of that passage if you have additional questions.
Pictures of Messiah
The nation of Israel seeks to honor their father, Jacob, in this command. Messiah is the pinnacle of the nation of Israel. Messiah lived and died in obedience to His Father (John 12:49). He honored His Father in all He did. In this commandment, we see an example of the honor given by Messiah to His Father.
How Messiah Fulfilled
We know that Messiah did not sin (Hebrews 4:15), and so we know Messiah fulfilled this commandment by not eating the sinew of the thigh.
Traditional Observance
Traditional observance of this commandment is found in its literal sense: not eating the sinew of the thigh.
Other Notes
We are able to fulfill this commandment today and should not eat the sinew of the thigh.
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