Bible Dictionary
Quiver
A quiver was a case or sheath for carrying arrows, used by warriors, hunters, and archers. Scripture also uses the quiver figuratively for children or for prophetic messages likened to arrows.
Definition
A quiver was a case or sheath for carrying arrows. It formed part of the equipment of warriors, charioteers, and hunters, though Scripture does not specify its exact shape or material.
Biblical Usage
The Bible uses the quiver literally for arrows and figuratively for children and the prophets of Yahweh, who are compared with arrows. Arrows are called “sons of the quiver,” and the quiver can be associated with the death produced by its arrows.
Historical Background
The Hebrew terms include ashpah and teli. One term may describe a suspended weapon or object carried from the shoulder or girdle. The supplied material gives no definite information about the quiver’s construction or method of carrying.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The sheath for arrows. The Hebrew word (aspah) thus commonly rendered is found in Job 39:23; Ps. 127:5; Isa. 22:6; 49:2; Jer. 5:16; Lam. 3:13. In Gen. 27:3 this word is the rendering of the Hebrew teli, which is supposed rather to mean a suspended weapon, literally “that which hangs from one”, i.e., is suspended from the shoulder or girdle.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a box made for the purpose of holding arrows. (Genesis 27:3) There is nothing in the Bible to indicate either its form or material, or in what way it was carried.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kwiv'-er (ashpah, teli; pharetra (Sirach 26:12)): A case or sheath for carrying arrows, a part of the ordinary equipment of the warrior, both foot-soldier and charioteer (Job 39:23; Isa 22:6), and also of the huntsman (Ge 27:3). Figuratively of a group in passages where children (Ps 127:5) or prophets of Yahweh (Isa 49:2) are spoken of as arrows. Arrows are called bene 'ashpah, "sons of the quiver" (La 3:13). By identifying the arrows with the death they produce, the quiver is likened to an open grave (Jer 5:16).</p>