### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kôwbaʻ**, represented by `{{H3553}}`, is the word for a **helmet**. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. Based on a root meaning to be high or rounded, the term refers to a piece of protective headwear used in a military context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical accounts, `{{H3553}}` is primarily a component of a soldier's armor. It is described as the **helmet** of brass worn by Goliath on his head [[1 Samuel 17:5]] and as part of the equipment King Uzziah prepared for his entire host [[2 Chronicles 26:14]]. The term is used in commands to soldiers, such as when Jeremiah calls for horsemen to "stand forth with your **helmets**" [[Jeremiah 46:4]]. It is also listed as equipment for the armies of Persia, Lud, and Phut ([[Ezekiel 27:10]]; [[Ezekiel 38:5]]). The word is used most significantly in a figurative sense when describing God's divine armor, where he puts on a **helmet** of salvation upon his head [[Isaiah 59:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the armor and actions associated with a **helmet**:
* `{{H4043}}` **mâgên** (a shield): This piece of defensive armor is frequently mentioned alongside the helmet as standard military gear for soldiers [[Ezekiel 38:5]] and armies [[Ezekiel 27:10]].
* `{{H8302}}` **shiryôwn** (a corslet): Often translated as a breastplate or coat of mail, this body armor was worn with the helmet, as seen on Goliath [[1 Samuel 17:5]] and in the armory of Uzziah [[2 Chronicles 26:14]].
* `{{H3444}}` **yᵉshûwʻâh** (deliverance, salvation): This word is directly linked to the helmet in a powerful metaphor, with God wearing a "helmet of **salvation**" [[Isaiah 59:17]].
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (the head): This word denotes the part of the body the helmet protects, establishing their direct relationship in passages like the description of Goliath's armor [[1 Samuel 17:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3553}}` is concentrated in its single figurative use, which carries profound meaning:
* **Divine Warrior Armor:** The helmet is part of the divine armor God puts on to execute justice. He wears a breastplate of righteousness, garments of vengeance, and is clad with zeal as a cloke [[Isaiah 59:17]].
* **Salvation as Protection:** The "helmet of salvation" transforms the object's purpose from physical defense to spiritual deliverance. It signifies that God's power to save is His ultimate protection and authority [[Isaiah 59:17]].
* **Symbol of Readiness:** Just as soldiers don helmets to prepare for battle [[Jeremiah 46:4]], God's act of putting on this helmet signifies His readiness to intervene on behalf of His people and bring about vengeance and salvation [[Isaiah 59:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3553}}` is a specific term for a piece of military equipment, a **helmet**, essential for a soldier's defense. While its literal use firmly grounds it in the context of warfare and armies, its theological significance is elevated through the image of the "helmet of salvation." This singular metaphor in [[Isaiah 59:17]] transforms the object into a powerful symbol of God's divine authority and His ultimate power to deliver.
TRV