from קָלַע; a sling; also a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself; hanging, leaf, sling.
Transliteration:qelaʻ
Pronunciation:keh'-lah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קֶלַע (qelaʻ, `{{H7050}}`) is derived from the verbal root קָלַע (qalaʻ, `{{H7049}}`), which primarily signifies "to sling," but also carries the meanings "to engrave" or "to weave." This etymological connection provides the foundation for the dual semantic range of קֶלַע.
Firstly, קֶלַע denotes a "sling," a simple yet effective weapon used for propelling stones. This meaning emphasizes the action of "slinging" or throwing.
Secondly, קֶלַע refers to a "hanging," "screen," or "door-leaf." In this context, the term likely alludes to something that is "slung across," "suspended," or "woven." This usage is particularly prominent in descriptions of the Tabernacle, where it describes the textile enclosures or curtains. The underlying concept here is that of a woven fabric or structure that serves as a boundary or partition.
Thus, קֶלַע encompasses both a tool of warfare and an architectural/textile component, united by the fundamental idea of something being "slung," "thrown," or "woven into a suspended form."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קֶלַע (qelaʻ, `{{H7050}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in both its primary semantic fields:
1. **As a "Sling" (Weapon):**
This usage is most famously associated with David's encounter with Goliath. In [[1 Samuel 17:40]], David takes "his staff in his hand, and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand." The narrative continues to describe how David used this קֶלַע to strike down the Philistine giant ([[1 Samuel 17:49]], [[1 Samuel 17:50]]). The sling is portrayed as a humble yet potent weapon, particularly effective in the hands of a skilled user. It is also mentioned in [[1 Samuel 25:29]] in the context of one's life being "bound in the bundle of the living" by the Lord, while enemies are "slung out" like stones from a sling. Later, King Uzziah equips his army with "slings" for throwing stones ([[2 Chronicles 26:14]]), indicating its continued use in Israelite warfare. In these contexts, קֶלַע signifies a practical instrument for combat, often associated with agility and precision rather than brute force.
2. **As "Hanging" or "Curtain" (Architectural/Textile):**
The vast majority of occurrences of קֶלַע refer to the "hangings" or "curtains" of the Tabernacle. These passages are found extensively in Exodus and Numbers, detailing the construction and arrangement of the wilderness sanctuary. For example, [[Exodus 27:9]] states, "You shall make the court of the tabernacle; for the south side there shall be hangings for the court of fine twisted linen, one hundred cubits long for one side." Similar descriptions are found for the north side ([[Exodus 27:11]]), and the overall dimensions and materials of these קֶלַע are specified ([[Exodus 38:9]], [[Exodus 38:11]], [[Exodus 38:15]], [[Exodus 38:16]]). Their purpose was to define the boundaries of the sacred court, enclosing the altar and the Tabernacle itself ([[Exodus 35:17]], [[Exodus 39:40]]). The Levites, specifically the sons of Merari, were responsible for the care and transport of these hangings ([[Numbers 3:26]], [[Numbers 3:37]], [[Numbers 4:26]], [[Numbers 4:32]]). In this context, קֶלַע denotes a significant structural and symbolic element, creating a distinct, consecrated space.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic breadth of קֶלַע (qelaʻ, `{{H7050}}`) connects it to several related words and concepts:
* **Root Verb:** The primary connection is to its root, קָלַע (qalaʻ, `{{H7049}}`), meaning "to sling," "to engrave," or "to weave." This verb directly informs both meanings of the noun, whether it's the action of slinging a stone or the weaving/suspension of a fabric.
* **Weapons:** In its "sling" context, קֶלַע relates to other instruments of war such as the sword (חֶרֶב, cherev, `{{H2719}}`), bow (קֶשֶׁת, qeshet, `{{H7198}}`), or spear (חֲנִית, chanit, `{{H2595}}`). It stands out as a weapon often associated with commoners or shepherds, emphasizing skill over brute force.
* **Tabernacle/Temple Furnishings:** In its "hanging" context, קֶלַע is closely associated with other components of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This includes:
* מָסָךְ (masakh, `{{H4539}}`): A "screen" or "curtain" specifically for the entrance of the tent of meeting or the court, often more elaborate than the general קֶלַע hangings.
* יְרִיעָה (yeriʻah, `{{H3407}}`): A "curtain" or "tent-cloth," referring to the larger textile coverings of the Tabernacle itself.
* Concepts such as "sacred space," "boundaries," "enclosure," and "divine presence" are intrinsically linked to the function of these hangings. The קֶלַע served to delineate the holy from the common, creating a consecrated area for worship and encounter with God.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of קֶלַע (qelaʻ, `{{H7050}}`) offers profound theological insights:
1. **Divine Power Through Humble Means (Sling):**
The most striking theological implication of קֶלַע as a "sling" is found in the narrative of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd, uses this simple, non-conventional weapon to defeat a heavily armed giant. This event powerfully illustrates God's ability to work through the seemingly weak and insignificant to accomplish mighty deeds ([[1 Samuel 17:47]]). It underscores that divine victory is not dependent on human strength, superior weaponry, or conventional military might, but on faith and God's sovereign power. David's reliance on the sling, rather than Saul's armor, symbolizes his trust in the Lord, making the קֶלַע a testament to God's empowerment of the humble and the subversion of human pride.
2. **Defining Sacred Space and God's Presence (Hangings):**
The קֶלַע as "hangings" of the Tabernacle carries significant theological weight regarding sacred space and divine immanence. These hangings served to:
* **Delineate Holiness:** They physically separated the holy court from the common camp, emphasizing the distinction between the sacred and the profane. This separation underscored God's absolute holiness and the need for reverence in approaching Him.
* **Enclose God's Dwelling:** By forming the outer boundary of the Tabernacle court, the קֶלַע created an enclosed space where God's presence dwelt among His people. This visible boundary symbolized the unique relationship between Yahweh and Israel, signifying His covenant faithfulness and His desire to reside in their midst.
* **Order and Beauty in Worship:** The meticulous instructions for the construction of these hangings, including their materials and dimensions, reflect God's demand for order, precision, and beauty in all aspects of worship. They point to the divine blueprint for approaching a holy God.
In both contexts, קֶלַע points to God's character: His sovereignty over human strength and His meticulous order in establishing a dwelling place among His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קֶלַע (qelaʻ, `{{H7050}}`) possesses a rich dual meaning, rooted in the verb קָלַע (qalaʻ, `{{H7049}}`) meaning "to sling" or "to weave." It refers both to a "sling," a weapon used for propelling stones, and to "hangings" or "curtains," particularly those that formed the outer boundaries of the Tabernacle court.
In its capacity as a "sling," קֶלַע is most famously associated with David's victory over Goliath, serving as a powerful symbol of divine empowerment of the humble and God's ability to achieve great things through seemingly insignificant means. It highlights the theological principle that victory belongs to the Lord and is not contingent on human strength or conventional armaments.
As "hangings" or "curtains," קֶלַע played a crucial role in defining the sacred space of the Tabernacle. These textile enclosures demarcated the holy court from the common, emphasizing God's holiness and His desire to dwell among His people in a consecrated environment. They underscored the importance of order, beauty, and reverence in approaching the divine presence.
Thus, קֶלַע encapsulates profound theological truths, ranging from God's sovereign power demonstrated through unexpected instruments to His meticulous design for sacred space and human worship.
TRV