from קָשָׁה in the original sense (of קוֹשׁ) of bending; a bow, forshooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris; [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot).
Transliteration:qesheth
Pronunciation:keh'-sheth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H7198}}` (qesheth) is derived from the root `{{H7185}}` (qashah), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "to be hard, severe, stiff." However, the specific connection to `{{H7198}}` is understood in the original sense of `{{H6983}}` (qosh), implying the act of "bending" something taut or stiff, such as the drawing of a bowstring.
Its primary and most literal meaning is "bow," referring to the weapon used for shooting arrows. From this concrete meaning, `{{H7198}}` develops several significant semantic extensions:
1. **Weaponry:** The literal bow used in hunting or warfare.
2. **Strength/Power:** Figuratively, the bow can represent military might, strength, or the power of an archer.
3. **Archer/Bowman:** By extension, it can refer to the one who wields the bow.
4. **Rainbow:** Most notably, `{{H7198}}` also designates the "rainbow," a celestial phenomenon. This usage is distinct from its martial connotations and carries profound theological weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H7198}}` in the Hebrew Bible reveal its multifaceted usage:
1. **Weapon of War and Hunting:** This is the most common application. Kings and warriors are often depicted with bows, symbolizing their military prowess.
* In [[1 Samuel 31:3]], Saul is gravely wounded by archers, highlighting the bow's deadly efficacy in battle.
* [[2 Samuel 1:18]] refers to "The Song of the Bow," a lament taught to Judah after the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, underscoring the bow's association with Israel's military might and its loss.
* Prophetic books frequently use the bow as an instrument of divine judgment against nations, as seen in [[Jeremiah 50:14]] where Babylon's enemies are called to draw the bow against her.
* In [[Psalm 78:9]], the Ephraimites are described as "armed archers" who turned back in the day of battle, suggesting a failure of military resolve despite their weaponry.
* [[Genesis 27:3]] depicts Esau as a hunter with his bow, illustrating its use for sustenance.
2. **Symbol of Divine Power and Judgment:** God Himself is often portrayed anthropomorphically as wielding a bow to execute His judgments.
* [[Lamentations 2:4]] describes God as having "bent his bow like an enemy," targeting His own people in judgment.
* [[Habakkuk 3:9]] speaks of God's "bow made bare," signifying His readiness for salvation and judgment.
* [[Psalm 7:12]] warns that if the wicked do not repent, God "will sharpen his sword; he has bent his bow and made it ready."
3. **The Rainbow as a Covenant Sign:** This is arguably the most significant and unique usage of `{{H7198}}`.
* In [[Genesis 9:13-16]], after the flood, God establishes His covenant with Noah and all living creatures, declaring, "I have set my `{{H7198}}` (rainbow) in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Here, the `{{H7198}}` transforms from a potential instrument of destruction (like a warrior's bow) into a visible pledge of divine faithfulness and non-destruction by flood. The very shape of the bow, stretched across the sky, becomes a permanent reminder of God's promise.
4. **Symbol of Defeat or Peace:** The breaking or unstringing of a bow signifies the cessation of hostilities or the loss of power.
* [[Hosea 1:5]] prophesies that God will "break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel," indicating military defeat.
* [[Psalm 46:9]] declares God's power to bring peace: "He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire."
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of `{{H7198}}` is enhanced by examining its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **`{{H2671}}` (chets):** "Arrow." The arrow is the projectile launched by the `{{H7198}}`, making the two words functionally inseparable in military and hunting contexts.
* **`{{H7185}}` (qashah):** The root from which `{{H7198}}` is derived, emphasizing the underlying concept of tension, hardness, or stiffness required to draw a bow.
* **`{{H1285}}` (berith):** "Covenant." Crucial for understanding the "rainbow" context, as the `{{H7198}}` becomes the tangible sign of God's `{{H1285}}` with humanity and creation.
* **Weapons of War:** `{{H2719}}` (cherev - sword), `{{H7420}}` (romach - spear). These are other instruments of battle often mentioned alongside the bow, highlighting the array of ancient weaponry.
* **Strength/Power:** Concepts like `{{H3581}}` (koach) or `{{H2389}}` (chozeq) are often associated with the bow as a symbol of military might or personal prowess.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7198}}` is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The depiction of God wielding a bow underscores His ultimate authority and power over creation and history. As the divine warrior, God uses the bow as an instrument of righteous judgment against sin, rebellion, and the enemies of His people. This imagery reinforces His active involvement in the world and His commitment to justice.
2. **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant:** The transformation of `{{H7198}}` from a weapon of potential destruction to the "rainbow" in the Noahic covenant ([[Genesis 9]]) is a powerful theological statement. It signifies God's self-limitation and His unwavering commitment to His promises. The rainbow, spanning the heavens, serves as an eternal reminder of God's mercy, patience, and His faithfulness to preserve creation despite human sinfulness. It is a sign of grace overriding potential judgment.
3. **Human Reliance vs. Divine Power:** The Bible often contrasts human reliance on military might (including bows and arrows) with true reliance on God. Passages where God "breaks the bow" of enemies or even His own people demonstrate that ultimate power resides with Him, not in human weaponry or strategic prowess. This emphasizes the need for faith and dependence on the Lord.
4. **Redemptive Transformation:** The dual meaning of `{{H7198}}`—as a weapon of war and a sign of covenant—beautifully illustrates a key biblical theme: God's ability to transform instruments of potential destruction into symbols of hope and salvation. What could be an instrument of wrath becomes a pledge of peace.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7198}}` (qesheth) primarily denotes a "bow," stemming from the concept of bending or tension. Its semantic range extends to include the "rainbow" and, figuratively, "strength" or the "archer." In biblical contexts, `{{H7198}}` frequently appears in narratives of warfare, symbolizing human military power or, more significantly, God's power in judgment. Crucially, in the Noahic covenant, `{{H7198}}` transforms from an instrument of potential destruction into the "rainbow," a powerful and enduring sign of God's covenantal faithfulness, mercy, and promise. The word thus encapsulates both divine wrath and divine grace, illustrating God's sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to His promises, ultimately pointing to His redemptive purposes.
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