Bible Dictionary
Bow
A bow was used for hunting and warfare, with arrows carried in a quiver. Scripture also uses the bow as a figure of strength or victory, and sometimes of deceit when arrows are shot deceptively.
Definition
A bow is a weapon used with arrows for hunting and warfare. It could be made of wood or metal, and arrows were carried in a quiver. The bow is also used figuratively for strength, victory, falsehood, or deceit.
Biblical Usage
The bow appears in accounts of hunting, battle, and military skill. Benjamin, Elam, and Lydia were noted for its use. Scripture uses it as a symbol of victory and also of deceptive speech or treachery.
Historical Background
The Hebrew word commonly translated bow is connected with treading, leading to the conclusion that the foot was used in bending the bow. Arrows were carried in quivers and could sometimes be associated with burning material.
Scripture References
Genesis 21:20
Genesis 27:3
Genesis 48:22
1 Chronicles 8:40
1 Chronicles 12:2
2 Chronicles 14:8
2 Chronicles 17:17
Isaiah 22:6
Jeremiah 46:9
1 Chronicles 5:18
2 Samuel 22:35
Psalms 18:34
Isaiah 49:2
Psalms 127:5
Psalms 120:4
Psalms 7:12
Psalms 64:3
Psalms 64:4
Hosea 7:16
Jeremiah 9:3
2 Samuel 1:18
Genesis 37:10
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The bow was in use in early times both in war and in the chase (Gen. 21:20; 27:3; 48:22). The tribe of Benjamin were famous for the use of the bow (1 Chr. 8:40; 12:2; 2 Chr. 14:8; 17:17); so also were the Elamites (Isa. 22:6) and the Lydians (Jer. 46:9). The Hebrew word commonly used for bow means properly to tread (1 Chr. 5:18; 8:40), and hence it is concluded that the foot was employed in bending the bow. Bows of steel (correctly “copper”) are mentioned (2 Sam. 22:35; Ps. 18:34). The arrows were carried in a quiver (Gen. 27:3; Isa. 22:6; 49:2; Ps. 127:5). They were apparently sometimes shot with some burning material attached to them (Ps. 120:4). The bow is a symbol of victory (Ps. 7:12). It denotes also falsehood, deceit (Ps. 64:3, 4; Hos. 7:16; Jer. 9:3). “The use of the bow” in 2 Sam. 1:18 (A.V.) ought to be “the song of the bow,” as in the Revised Version.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Genesis 37:10) The eastern mode of salutation, by kneeling upon one knee and bending the head forward till it touched the ground.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bo.</p><p>See ARCHERY.</p>