intensive (as denominative) from קֶשֶׁת; a bowman; [idiom] archer. r
Transliteration:qashshâth
Pronunciation:kash-shawth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7199}}` (qashshâth) is a denominative noun derived from `{{H7198}}` (qesheth), meaning "bow." The suffix indicates an intensive or professional sense, thus denoting "one who handles a bow," or more simply, "a bowman" or "archer." Its core meaning is precise and straightforward: a skilled individual who uses a bow for warfare or hunting. Unlike its root word `{{H7198}}` (qesheth), which can carry broader symbolic meanings such as a rainbow or a covenant sign, `{{H7199}}` remains firmly rooted in its literal, functional definition, referring exclusively to the person wielding the weapon. Its semantic range is therefore narrow, focusing entirely on the practitioner of archery.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7199}}` appears in four verses within the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to individuals engaged in combat or opposition:
* **[[Genesis 49:23]]**: In Jacob's prophetic blessing over Joseph, it is stated, "The archers (קַשָּׁתִים) have sorely grieved him, shot at him, and harassed him." Here, the archers represent antagonists who persecute Joseph, highlighting the intense suffering and opposition he faced. The context is one of personal affliction and conflict, where the archer is an instrument of malice.
* **[[Jeremiah 4:29]]**: Describing the desolation of the land and the flight of its inhabitants, the prophet declares, "Every city flees at the sound of the horseman and archer (קַשָּׁת)." In this context of impending judgment and invasion, the archer is portrayed as a formidable and terrifying instrument of war, contributing to the widespread panic and destruction.
* **[[Jeremiah 50:14]]**: God commands the nations to "Array yourselves against Babylon all around, all you who bend the bow (קַשָּׁת)." Here, the archers are explicitly called upon as agents of divine judgment against Babylon, serving as instruments in the Lord's hand to execute His wrath.
* **[[Jeremiah 50:29]]**: Again concerning Babylon, the Lord instructs, "Summon many archers (קַשָּׁת) against Babylon, all who bend the bow." This reiterates the role of archers as a significant component of the military force God raises to bring about Babylon's downfall, emphasizing their collective power and precision in delivering judgment.
Across these occurrences, `{{H7199}}` consistently signifies a participant in conflict, whether as an oppressor, a source of terror, or an instrument of divine retribution. The term is always plural in its biblical uses, emphasizing a collective force rather than an individual.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term is the root noun, `{{H7198}}` (qesheth), "bow." While `{{H7198}}` refers to the weapon itself and can have symbolic meanings (e.g., rainbow as a sign of covenant in [[Genesis 9:13]]), `{{H7199}}` specifically denotes the *user* of the bow. Other related concepts include:
* **Military terminology**: Words for "warrior" (e.g., `{{H1368}}` - gibbôr), "soldier" (e.g., `{{H6635}}` - tsaba'), "army," and various weapons like "sword" (`{{H2719}}` - cherev) and "spear" (`{{H7420}}` - romach). `{{H7199}}` specifies a particular type of combatant.
* **Actions of combat**: Verbs like "to shoot" (e.g., `{{H3384}}` - yarah), "to fight" (e.g., `{{H3898}}` - lacham), and "to attack."
* **Divine instruments**: In prophetic literature, God often uses human agents, including specific military units, as instruments of His will or judgment. The archer, with their ability to strike from a distance, represents a potent and often unavoidable force.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7199}}` derives primarily from its consistent portrayal as an instrument within the divine economy of judgment and human conflict.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**: In Jeremiah, the archers are not merely human warriors but are explicitly summoned and directed by God to execute His judgment upon nations. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, including warfare and the rise and fall of empires. Even the destructive power of archers is ultimately under His control and serves His righteous purposes.
2. **The Reality of Persecution and Suffering**: In the case of Joseph, the "archers" represent the malicious opposition faced by the righteous. This highlights the biblical acknowledgment of human cruelty and the reality of suffering inflicted by adversaries. Yet, even in such contexts, the narrative often subtly points to God's ultimate protection or elevation of the afflicted, as seen in Joseph's ultimate triumph despite the archers' attacks.
3. **Instruments of Terror and Desolation**: The presence of archers in a military context often signifies an overwhelming and terrifying force, capable of widespread destruction. This imagery contributes to the biblical depiction of the horrors of war and the devastation that comes with divine judgment or human conflict.
4. **Symbol of Military Prowess**: While not explicitly a theological point, the archer's skill and precision are implicitly recognized. When God employs archers, it speaks to the effectiveness and decisive nature of the judgment being brought forth.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7199}}` (qashshâth) precisely denotes an "archer" or "bowman," derived from the word for "bow" (`{{H7198}}`). Its occurrences in the biblical text are limited but consistent, always referring to individuals engaged in warfare or conflict. Whether depicting the persecutors of Joseph in [[Genesis 49:23]] or the agents of God's judgment against Babylon in [[Jeremiah 50:14]] and [[Jeremiah 50:29]], the "archer" consistently functions as an instrument of attack, threat, or divine retribution. The term underscores the reality of human conflict and suffering, while also powerfully illustrating God's ultimate sovereignty over military might and His use of human agents to accomplish His purposes of judgment and justice.
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