Meaning
A bow is a weapon made of a curved piece of material and a string, used to propel arrows.
Biblical Usage
Scripture mentions the bow in hunting and warfare. It appears in descriptions of warriors, military equipment, and battles, and is sometimes used figuratively in passages concerning strength, defeat, or judgment.
In 2 Samuel 1:18-22, the bow is associated with Jonathan’s skill in battle and appears in David’s lament concerning Saul and Jonathan. Other passages describe bows as part of the equipment of armed men.
Key References
- Genesis 21:20 — Ishmael becomes an archer.
- Genesis 27:3 — Isaac instructs Esau to take his bow and quiver for hunting.
- 1 Samuel 18:4 — Jonathan gives David his bow and other garments and weapons.
- 2 Samuel 1:18 — David orders the children of Judah to be taught the use of the bow.
- 2 Samuel 1:22 — David’s lament refers to Jonathan’s bow and Saul’s sword.
- 1 Chronicles 12:2 — Certain warriors are described as using bows.
- Psalm 18:34 — David speaks of being taught to war and having a bow of steel.
- Ephesians 6:16 — Uses the image of a shield in the description of spiritual armour; it does not name the bow, illustrating the need to distinguish literal weapons from figurative military imagery.
Related Terms
- Arrow — A projectile shot from a bow.
- Sword — A bladed weapon used in combat.
- Shield — A defensive object used to protect the body.
- Warfare — The activity or practice of fighting a war.