### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâlaph**, represented by `{{H8025}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to pull out, up or off; draw (off), grow up, pluck off**. It appears **25 times** across **24 unique verses** in the Bible. Its most frequent application is the act of drawing a weapon, particularly a sword, signifying readiness for combat, judgment, or a decisive action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8025}}` is used in several key contexts. It often describes military readiness, such as counting the "men that drew the sword" [[2 Samuel 24:9]] or the armies of Israel and Benjamin that "drew sword" for battle [[Judges 20:17]]. The term is also central to moments of divine encounter, as when Joshua sees a man with his sword "drawn" [[Joshua 5:13]] or when David and Balaam see the angel of the LORD with a "drawn" sword ([[1 Chronicles 21:16]], [[Numbers 22:31]]). Beyond military and divine contexts, it is used for personal actions, like David who "drew" Goliath's sword from its sheath to slay him [[1 Samuel 17:51]]. The word also appears in a unique legal sense, where a man "plucked off" his shoe to confirm a transaction [[Ruth 4:7]], and in an agricultural metaphor for grass that withers before it "groweth up" [[Psalms 129:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the actions and objects associated with `{{H8025}}`:
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (a cutting instrument ... as a knife, sword): This is the object most commonly associated with `{{H8025}}`. The phrase "drew sword" appears repeatedly to describe fighting men, as with the hundred and twenty thousand men that "drew sword" who fell in battle [[Judges 8:10]].
* `{{H1856}}` **dâqar** (to stab; ... pierce, strike (thrust) through): This is the action that often follows the drawing of a sword. Saul commands his armourbearer, "Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith" [[1 Samuel 31:4]].
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent; ... kill, ... slay): This word describes the ultimate purpose of drawing a weapon in combat. Abimelech tells his armourbearer to "Draw thy sword, and slay me" [[Judges 9:54]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die ... kill): This describes the result of being slain with a drawn weapon. After his young man thrust him through with a drawn sword, Abimelech "died" [[Judges 9:54]].
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (to cut (off, down or asunder)): This is used to describe a final action with a drawn weapon, as when David "drew" Goliath's sword and "cut off his head" [[1 Samuel 17:51]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8025}}` is primarily linked to its use in contexts of divine judgment and human decision.
* **Divine Judgment:** The appearance of the angel of the LORD with a "drawn" sword serves as a powerful symbol of impending divine action. This is seen before Joshua at Jericho [[Joshua 5:13]] and over Jerusalem during David's census [[1 Chronicles 21:16]]. The drawn sword signifies that God's authority is active and ready to be executed.
* **Human Responsibility and Decision:** The command to "Draw thy sword" represents a moment of critical decision involving life and death. Saul’s request of his armourbearer [[1 Samuel 31:4]] and Gideon's command to his son Jether, who was afraid to draw his sword [[Judges 8:20]], are moments where the action is tied to duty and consequence.
* **Covenant and Testimony:** In a non-violent context, the act of a man who "plucked off" his shoe was a legal custom "for to confirm all things," serving as a testimony in Israel [[Ruth 4:7]]. This demonstrates how the core idea of "pulling off" can be applied to establish binding agreements.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8025}}` is a dynamic verb that extends beyond a simple action. It literally means to pull out or draw off, most often applied to drawing a sword for battle or judgment. However, its scope also includes legal acts, such as when a kinsman "drew off his shoe" to seal a deal [[Ruth 4:8]], and even natural processes, like grass that "groweth up" [[Psalms 129:6]]. From the readiness of a soldier to the appearance of a divine messenger, `{{H8025}}` captures a moment of decisive preparation, whether for engaging in conflict, executing judgment, or confirming a testimony.
TRV