from the same as כִּיד; (perhaps smaller than חֲנִיתlemma חֲניִת second vowel, corrected to חֲנִית); properly, something to strike with, i.e. a dart; lance, shield, spear, target.
Transliteration:kîydôwn
Pronunciation:kee-dohn'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma *kîydôwn* (כִּידוֹן, `{{H3591}}`) denotes a type of weapon, specifically a projectile or thrusting implement. Deriving from a root that suggests "to strike" or "to dash against," its core meaning points to an instrument designed for piercing or impact. Lexical definitions typically include "dart," "lance," and "spear." The nuance often provided is that it may be "perhaps smaller than" the more common Hebrew word for spear, *chanît* (חֲנִית, `{{H2595}}`), suggesting it could be a javelin, a lighter spear, or a shorter thrusting weapon. While some definitions include "shield" or "target," the biblical contexts overwhelmingly support its interpretation as an offensive weapon rather than a defensive one or an object to be aimed at. The primary semantic range is thus confined to a weapon used in combat, characterized by its ability to strike or be thrown.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *kîydôwn* appears in the Hebrew Bible in several significant contexts, consistently referring to an offensive weapon:
* **[[Joshua 8:18]] and [[Joshua 8:26]]**: In the account of the conquest of Ai, Joshua is commanded by the Lord to "stretch out the *kîydôwn* that is in your hand toward Ai." This act serves as a divine signal for the ambush to commence, and Joshua holds it aloft until the city is utterly destroyed. Here, the *kîydôwn* is not merely a weapon but an instrument of divine command and a visible sign of God's strategic direction in warfare. Its extended position symbolizes the unwavering divine will until victory is achieved.
* **[[1 Samuel 17:45]]**: When David confronts Goliath, he declares that Goliath comes to him "with a sword and with a spear (חֲנִית, `{{H2595}}`) and with a *kîydôwn*." This verse is particularly instructive as it lists *kîydôwn* alongside *chanît*, suggesting they are distinct types of weapons. This distinction supports the idea that *kîydôwn* might refer to a javelin or a smaller, perhaps secondary, thrusting weapon carried by a heavily armed warrior like Goliath, complementing his larger spear.
* **[[Job 39:23]]**: Describing the warhorse's fearlessness in battle, the text states, "The quiver rattles against him, the flash of the *kîydôwn* and the spear (חֲנִית, `{{H2595}}`)." Here, *kîydôwn* is presented as one of the menacing weapons encountered on the battlefield, highlighting the chaos and danger of combat. Its "flash" suggests a polished metal tip, characteristic of a spear or dart.
* **[[Jeremiah 50:42]]**: Prophesying against Babylon, Jeremiah describes a fierce army coming from the north: "They hold bow and *kîydôwn*; they are cruel and have no mercy." This passage associates the *kîydôwn* with the implements of war wielded by a formidable and merciless invading force, underscoring its role as a tool of aggression and destruction.
* **[[Lamentations 3:12]]**: In a poignant lament, the speaker cries out, "He bent His bow and set me as a target for His *kîydôwn*." This is a powerful metaphorical use, portraying God as a divine warrior whose *kîydôwn* is an instrument of judgment and affliction. The speaker feels directly targeted and pierced by God's disciplinary hand, emphasizing the precision and inescapable nature of divine chastisement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of *kîydôwn* is enriched by examining its relationship to other terms and concepts:
* **חֲנִית (chanît, `{{H2595}}`)**: As noted, *chanît* is the most common Hebrew word for "spear," often denoting a larger, primary thrusting weapon. The distinction between *kîydôwn* and *chanît* in passages like [[1 Samuel 17:45]] and [[Job 39:23]] suggests *kîydôwn* might be a lighter javelin, a dart, or a shorter spear, perhaps used for throwing rather than primarily thrusting.
* **General Military Terminology**: *Kîydôwn* belongs to the broader semantic field of weaponry, alongside terms such as sword (חֶרֶב, *ḥereḇ*, `{{H2719}}`), bow (קֶשֶׁת, *qešet*, `{{H7198}}`), and arrow (חֵץ, *ḥēṣ*, `{{H2671}}`). Its presence in such lists reinforces its identity as a standard instrument of ancient warfare.
* **Divine Action and Judgment**: The metaphorical use in [[Lamentations 3:12]] links *kîydôwn* to concepts of divine sovereignty, justice, and the execution of judgment. In this context, it parallels other instruments of divine wrath, such as the "arrows" of God (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:23]], [[Psalm 7:13]]).
### Theological Significance
The *kîydôwn*, though a mundane weapon, carries significant theological weight in its biblical contexts:
* **Instrument of Divine Command and Victory**: In the book of Joshua, the *kîydôwn* transcends its physical properties to become a symbol of God's direct involvement and strategic guidance in Israel's military campaigns. Joshua's extended *kîydôwn* is not merely a human signal but a visual representation of God's unwavering resolve to grant victory to His people. It signifies that the success of Israel's battles ultimately rested on divine authorization and power.
* **Symbol of Human Conflict and Vulnerability**: Its appearance in descriptions of battle (e.g., [[1 Samuel 17:45]], [[Job 39:23]], [[Jeremiah 50:42]]) underscores the harsh realities of warfare and the destructive capacity of human conflict. When wielded by enemies, it represents the threat and danger faced by God's people, highlighting human vulnerability in a fallen world.
* **Metaphor for Divine Chastisement**: The most profound theological usage of *kîydôwn* is found in [[Lamentations 3:12]]. Here, it serves as a powerful metaphor for God's direct and piercing judgment upon His people. The image of God setting the speaker as a "target" for His *kîydôwn* conveys the precision, inescapability, and painful nature of divine discipline. It reminds us that God's justice is not abstract but can manifest in tangible, often painful, ways in the lives of individuals and nations. This usage elevates the weapon from a mere tool of war to a symbol of God's righteous dealings and His sovereign control over all circumstances, including suffering.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *kîydôwn* (כִּידוֹן, `{{H3591}}`) primarily designates an offensive weapon, specifically a dart, lance, or spear, often distinguished as being smaller or lighter than the *chanît* (`{{H2595}}`). Its occurrences in the Old Testament consistently portray it as an implement of warfare, used both for direct combat and as a signaling device under divine command, as seen in the conquest of Ai. Theologically, the *kîydôwn* serves multiple purposes: it embodies divine authorization and strategic guidance in warfare, represents the tangible realities of human conflict and vulnerability, and most poignantly, functions as a powerful metaphor for the precise and inescapable nature of God's righteous judgment and chastisement. Thus, *kîydôwn* is more than just a weapon; it is a profound biblical symbol of divine agency and human experience in the face of conflict and divine discipline.
TRV