### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼêth**, represented by `{{H855}}`, refers to a **hoe or other digging implement** like a **coulter** or **plowshare**. Though it appears only **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, its usage is highly symbolic. The word primarily represents agricultural tools and productivity, often contrasted with instruments of war to illustrate a state of peace or conflict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H855}}` is used in two distinct prophetic contexts and one historical narrative. The prophets Isaiah and Micah use the image of beating swords into **plowshares** to describe a future time of universal peace when nations will no longer learn war ([[Isaiah 2:4]], [[Micah 4:3]]). Conversely, the prophet Joel reverses this imagery, commanding the people to beat their **plowshares** into swords as a call to judgment and war [[Joel 3:10]]. In a literal sense, the word appears as **coulter** in 1 Samuel, where the Israelites, under Philistine oppression, had to go down to their enemies to sharpen their farming tools, including their coulters and mattocks ([[1 Samuel 13:20]], [[1 Samuel 13:21]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the contrast between agriculture and warfare:
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): A cutting instrument for war, which is prophetically beaten into a plowshare to signify peace [[Isaiah 2:4]].
* `{{H2595}}` **chănîyth** (spear): A lance used for warfare, which is transformed into a pruninghook in parallel with swords becoming plowshares [[Micah 4:3]].
* `{{H4211}}` **mazmêrâh** (pruninghook): A pruningknife used for tending vines, representing peaceful cultivation. It is the agricultural counterpart to the spear [[Joel 3:10]].
* `{{H3807}}` **kâthath** (beat): This primitive root means to bruise or violently strike, and is the action used to transform weapons into tools, and vice versa ([[Isaiah 2:4]], [[Joel 3:10]]).
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (war): The state of conflict that will cease when instruments of war are turned into agricultural tools [[Micah 4:3]].
### Theological Significance
The symbolic weight of `{{H855}}` is centered on the theme of transformation.
* **Promise of Messianic Peace:** The word is a key symbol of the peace that will be established when God judges among the nations. The transformation of weapons into **plowshares** signifies a complete shift from conflict to productive, peaceful life ([[Isaiah 2:4]], [[Micah 4:3]]).
* **Call to Divine Judgment:** In its reverse usage, the transformation of **plowshares** into swords serves as a divine call to arms, mobilizing the nations for judgment and showing that even the weak will be made strong for war [[Joel 3:10]].
* **Indicator of National Subjugation:** The practical mention of the **coulter** in 1 Samuel illustrates Israel's state of weakness and dependence. Their inability to sharpen their own farming implements without relying on the Philistines demonstrated their enemies' control over their very means of survival [[1 Samuel 13:20]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼêth** `{{H855}}` is a powerful example of how a simple object can carry profound theological meaning. As a **plowshare** or **coulter**, it represents the foundational activities of agriculture and sustenance. In prophecy, it becomes a potent symbol for the transition between war and peace, illustrating either God's promise of a restored, peaceful kingdom or His call for nations to face judgment. Its presence highlights the biblical theme that the tools of life and the tools of death are separated only by purpose and divine will.
TRV