from קוּן in the original sense of fixity; a lance (as striking fast); spear.
Transliteration:qayin
Pronunciation:kah'-yin
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קַיִן (qayin, `{{H7013}}`) is defined primarily as "a lance (as striking fast); spear." This definition emphasizes a weapon of thrusting or throwing, specifically highlighting its sharp, penetrating point. The etymological root is given as קוּן (qun, `{{H6969}}`), which carries the sense of "fixity" or "striking fast." This suggests that the "qayin" is a weapon designed for swift, decisive impact, or perhaps one that is fixed firmly in its target. It denotes a tangible instrument of warfare, characterized by its ability to pierce or impale. It is crucial to note that while the spelling is identical, this definition for a weapon is distinct from the etymology typically associated with the proper noun "Cain," the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, which is often linked to the verb קָנָה (qanah, `{{H7069}}`), meaning "to acquire" or "to get," as stated by Eve in [[Genesis 4:1]]. This study focuses on the weapon's meaning as per the provided Strong's definition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of קַיִן (qayin, `{{H7013}}`) in the sense of a weapon is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, with its most prominent occurrence found in [[2 Samuel 21:16]]. In this passage, the giant Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, is described as possessing a formidable weapon: "And Ishbi-Benob, who was among the descendants of Rapha, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of bronze, and he was girded with a new sword, purposed to kill David." Here, "whose spear" translates the Hebrew "מִשְׁקַל קַיִן" (mishqal qayin), clearly indicating the heavy, bronze point or head of a spear. The context is a life-threatening encounter between a giant Philistine warrior and King David, underscoring the immense physical threat posed by Ishbi-Benob and his exceptionally heavy weapon. The mention of its weight highlights its lethality and the formidable strength of its wielder. This single, vivid occurrence paints "qayin" as an instrument of significant destructive power, wielded by a formidable adversary.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for קַיִן (qayin, `{{H7013}}`) as a weapon is its proposed root, קוּן (qun, `{{H6969}}`), which implies concepts of "fixity" or "striking fast." This etymological link reinforces the image of a weapon designed for decisive penetration.
While "qayin" as a weapon is rare, the Hebrew Bible employs several other terms for "spear" or "lance," each with potential nuances:
* חֲנִית (chanit, `{{H2598}}`): This is the most common word for "spear," often depicted in the hands of warriors and kings (e.g., Saul in [[1 Samuel 18:10]]).
* רֹמַח (romach, `{{H7420}}`): Another frequent term for a "lance" or "spear," sometimes implying a longer, heavier weapon (e.g., [[Numbers 25:7]]).
* כִּידוֹן (kidon, `{{H3591}}`): Refers to a javelin or a lighter spear, often thrown (e.g., [[Joshua 8:18]]).
The distinct use of "qayin" in [[2 Samuel 21:16]] might subtly emphasize the specific attribute of the spear's point or its capacity for swift, piercing action. Conceptually, "qayin" belongs to the semantic field of ancient warfare, instruments of battle, and the potential for lethal force and violence.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular, explicit occurrence as a weapon in [[2 Samuel 21:16]], the direct theological significance of קַיִן (qayin, `{{H7013}}`) is primarily contextual. It serves to illustrate the formidable nature of the threats faced by God's anointed, King David. The immense weight of Ishbi-Benob's "qayin" underscores the overwhelming physical power of David's adversary, highlighting the divine protection that ultimately preserved David's life. The fact that David was nearly killed by such a weapon, only to be saved by Abishai, points to God's continued faithfulness in delivering His chosen servant from mortal danger.
More broadly, the presence of such a word in the biblical lexicon, even if rare, acknowledges the harsh realities of human conflict and the destructive potential of weaponry in the ancient world. While the word itself does not carry inherent moral or spiritual weight, its context reminds us of the constant need for divine intervention and strength in a world marked by violence and opposition. It implicitly points to the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers, even those wielding instruments of immense destructive capability.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קַיִן (qayin, `{{H7013}}`) primarily denotes "a lance" or "spear," specifically emphasizing its point or its capacity for swift, decisive impact, stemming from the root `{{H6969}}` meaning "fixity" or "striking fast." Its most notable appearance in the biblical text is in [[2 Samuel 21:16]], where it describes the exceptionally heavy spearhead of the giant Ishbi-Benob, a formidable weapon wielded against King David. This rare usage highlights the physical dangers of ancient warfare and the overwhelming threats faced by God's people. While sharing the same spelling as the personal name "Cain," the son of Adam, the semantic domain of "qayin" as a weapon is distinct. Its presence in the biblical narrative, though limited, contributes to our understanding of the lexicon of ancient weaponry and implicitly underscores the theme of divine protection amidst human conflict.
TRV