from לָקַט; a travelling pouch (as if for gleanings); scrip.
Transliteration:yalqûwṭ
Pronunciation:yal-koot'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3219 (יַלְקוּט, *yalqûwṭ*), transliterated as *yalqûwṭ*, signifies a "travelling pouch" or "scrip." Its etymological root is derived from the verb לָקַט (lāqaṭ) `{{H3950}}`, meaning "to gather" or "to glean." This etymological connection immediately informs the primary function of the yalqûwṭ: it is a receptacle for collected items, particularly provisions or gleanings gathered during a journey or while tending flocks. Semantically, it denotes a simple, practical bag carried by individuals, often shepherds or travelers, for carrying essential supplies. It implies a container for items that are not purchased but rather collected or gathered from the land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word yalqûwṭ appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence highly significant for understanding its specific nuance and theological weight.
* **[[1 Samuel 17:40]]**: "Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's bag, which was his yalqûwṭ, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine."
In this pivotal narrative, the yalqûwṭ is explicitly identified as David's "shepherd's bag." This detail is crucial. David, a youth and a shepherd, approaches the formidable Philistine giant Goliath, not with the conventional armor or weaponry offered by King Saul, but with the simple tools of his trade: a staff, a sling, and his yalqûwṭ. The bag holds the five smooth stones, which, through divine empowerment, become the instruments of Goliath's defeat. The simplicity of the yalqûwṭ stands in stark contrast to the heavy, elaborate armaments of the Philistine champion, underscoring David's reliance on God rather than human might or sophisticated weaponry. It is a humble, everyday item, yet it becomes the vessel for the very means of deliverance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root לָקַט (lāqaṭ) `{{H3950}}`, "to gather," which directly informs the function of the yalqûwṭ as a container for gathered items. This root is famously used in the context of Ruth gleaning in the fields of Boaz ([[Ruth 2:3]]) or the Israelites gathering manna in the wilderness ([[Exodus 16:4]]).
Other Hebrew terms for bags or containers, though not directly etymologically related, provide a broader semantic field for comparison:
* כְּלִי (kĕlî) `{{H3627}}`: A general term for a vessel, implement, or article, which can sometimes refer to a bag or container.
* צְרוֹר (tsĕrôr) `{{H6872}}`: A bundle, bag, or purse, often used for money or stones (e.g., [[Genesis 42:35]], [[Proverbs 7:20]]). This term also implies a collection of items, similar to the yalqûwṭ.
* אַמְתַּחַת (ʾamtaḥat) `{{H5721}}`: A sack, typically for grain or provisions (e.g., [[Genesis 42:27]]).
Conceptually, the yalqûwṭ is linked to themes of provision, journeying, simplicity, and, most profoundly in its single occurrence, reliance on divine strength over human power.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of yalqûwṭ in the narrative of David and Goliath imbues it with profound theological significance. It is not merely a practical item but a symbol that encapsulates several key biblical truths:
1. **Humility and Identity**: The yalqûwṭ identifies David as a shepherd, a humble and often overlooked profession. God often chooses the humble and the unlikely to accomplish His greatest purposes ([[1 Samuel 16:7]], [[1 Corinthians 1:27-29]]). David's reliance on his shepherd's bag, rather than Saul's armor, highlights his authentic identity and his trust in the Lord of Hosts.
2. **Divine Means vs. Human Might**: The yalqûwṭ, holding five smooth stones, stands as a powerful counterpoint to Goliath's formidable armor and weaponry. It illustrates that God's power is not dependent on human strength, military technology, or conventional wisdom. Instead, God can use the simplest, most unassuming means to achieve extraordinary victories. The "foolishness" and "weakness" of God are stronger than human wisdom and might ([[1 Corinthians 1:25]]).
3. **Vessel of Purpose**: The yalqûwṭ becomes a sacred vessel, chosen by God to hold the instruments of deliverance. It underscores the principle that God can sanctify and use any object, no matter how mundane, for His divine plan. The stones within were not just ordinary pebbles; they were divinely selected and empowered through David's faith.
4. **Faith and Provision**: David's preparation, including the selection of the stones and placing them in his yalqûwṭ, demonstrates a practical faith that prepares for action while trusting in God for the outcome. The bag represents the simple, yet sufficient, provision that God enables through His chosen servants.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3219 (יַלְקוּט, *yalqûwṭ*) refers to a "travelling pouch" or "scrip," etymologically rooted in the concept of "gathering." Its sole biblical appearance in [[1 Samuel 17:40]] is highly significant, where it is identified as David's shepherd's bag, holding the five smooth stones he used to defeat Goliath. This simple yalqûwṭ serves as a potent theological symbol, representing David's humility, his identity as God's chosen shepherd, and the divine principle that God uses humble and unassuming means to manifest His power and achieve victory over seemingly insurmountable odds. It stands in stark contrast to worldly might, emphasizing reliance on God's strength and provision.
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