Lexical Summary koba: Helmet Original Word: כּוֹבַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance helmet From an unused root meaning to be high or rounded; a helmet (as arched) -- helmet. Compare qowba'. see HEBREW qowba' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition helmet NASB Translation helmet (4), helmets (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs כּוֺבַע noun masculine helmet (√ dubious; Late Hebrew כּוֺבַע, Aramaic כּוֺבְעָא turban; compare קוֺבַע Ezekiel 23:24) — absolute ׳כ Ezekiel 27:10; כּוֺבָ֑ע Ezekiel 38:5; construct כּ֫וֺבַע (Ew§ 213, f.) 1 Samuel 17:5; Isaiah 59:17; plural כּוֺבָעִים Jeremiah 46:4; 2Chronicles 26:14; — helmet, of bronze נְחשֶׁת עַלרֿאֹשׁוֺ ׳כ 1 Samuel 17:5; Jeremiah 46:4; Ezekiel 27:10; Ezekiel 38:5; 2Chronicles 26:14; figurative of ׳י, יְשׁוּעָה ׳וַיִּלְבַּשׁ צְדָקָה כַּשִּׁרְיָן וְכ בְּראֹשׁוֺ Isaiah 59:17. Topical Lexicon Entry Title: Helmet – כּוֹבַע (Strong’s Hebrew 3553) General Description The כּוֹבַע is martial headgear designed to protect the skull in battle. The Old Testament restricts the term to contexts of warfare, emphasizing both the practical necessity of safeguarding the head and the symbolic value of security granted by God. Whenever Scripture records a כּוֹבַע, it is either worn by a warrior engaged in combat or represented as part of the Lord’s own armor when He rises to judge. Occurrences in Scripture • 1 Samuel 17:5 – Goliath, “He had a bronze helmet on his head…” Historical Background and Construction During the Late Bronze and Iron Ages, helmets were typically cast or hammered from bronze, sometimes iron, and lined with leather or cloth for comfort. The Philistine example (Goliath) reflects Mycenaean influence—bronze pieces possibly covered with scale-like plates. Judahite forces under Uzziah, supported by agricultural prosperity and technological skill, manufactured helmets in quantity, signaling a transition from irregular militias to a standing, well-equipped force. The mercenary troops in Ezekiel, drawn from Persia, Lydia, Cush, and Put, show that helmets were standard among professional soldiers across the Ancient Near East. Theological Themes Protection and Human Limitation Physical helmets underscore mankind’s acknowledgment of vulnerability. Even Goliath, though enormous and confident, seeks protection of the head. His defeat by David’s stone (striking the forehead beneath the helmet’s rim) reminds readers that no human armor ultimately guarantees safety apart from the Lord (Psalm 33:16-17). Divine Warrior Motif Isaiah 59:17 marks a decisive shift: God Himself dons a “helmet of salvation,” declaring that ultimate deliverance is wrought by His own arm when human defenders fail. The same passage portrays the LORD clothing Himself for battle on behalf of His people, foreshadowing messianic intervention. Judgment upon the Nations Helmets appear in prophetic oracles directed at foreign powers—Egypt (Jeremiah 46), Tyre (Ezekiel 27), and the Gog coalition (Ezekiel 38). In each case the nations marshal impressive equipment, yet their armaments cannot avert the decreed judgment. The imagery heightens God’s sovereignty over international affairs. Prophetic and Messianic Resonances Isaiah’s “helmet of salvation” later informs the apostolic teaching on spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8). The helm becomes a symbol of deliverance secured in Christ—salvation that guards the believer’s mind against despair and deception. Paul’s adoption of the motif links the Old Testament divine warrior with the risen Lord, who provides His own armor to His followers. New Testament Echoes Ephesians 6:17 – “And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8 – “…having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation.” These passages do not reuse the Hebrew term but deliberately borrow its theological weight. The believer’s assurance in Christ functions as protective headgear in the unseen battle, echoing Isaiah’s portrayal of the LORD’s saving resolve. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Assurance of Salvation Just as soldiers refused to enter combat without a helmet, Christians are called to engage the world rooted in the certainty of redemption. Pastors can urge congregants to fasten the “helmet of the hope of salvation,” guarding thoughts against nagging doubt. 2. Discipleship and Thought Life Helmets protect the seat of thought. The metaphor encourages disciplined minds renewed by Scripture (Romans 12:2), reinforcing that intellectual surrender to Christ is part of spiritual warfare. 3. Missions and Spiritual Warfare The failed confidence of armed nations in Jeremiah and Ezekiel serves as a caution: technological or cultural strength cannot substitute for covenant relationship with God. Missions leaders may highlight that evangelism confronts spiritual strongholds, demanding reliance on divine, not merely human, resources. 4. Comfort in Persecution Believers facing hostility can recall that their salvation is as sure as a helmet forged by God Himself. The Lord who once put on His own helmet now shares that protective grace with His people. Illustrative Points for Preaching and Teaching • Goliath’s bronze helmet versus David’s faith illustrates the contrast between outward might and inward trust (1 Samuel 17). See Also Ephesians 6:10-18 (Whole armor of God); Psalm 140:7 (God as “the strength of my salvation”); Judges 7 (victory independent of weaponry); 2 Samuel 22:31 (God’s way is perfect, “He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him”). Forms and Transliterations בְּכ֥וֹבָעִ֑ים בכובעים וְכ֣וֹבָעִ֔ים וְכ֤וֹבַע וְכ֥וֹבַע וְכוֹבַע֙ וְכוֹבָֽע׃ וכובע וכובע׃ וכובעים bə·ḵō·w·ḇā·‘îm beChoaIm bəḵōwḇā‘îm veChoa veChoaIm vechoVa wə·ḵō·w·ḇa‘ wə·ḵō·w·ḇā‘ wə·ḵō·w·ḇā·‘îm wəḵōwḇa‘ wəḵōwḇā‘ wəḵōwḇā‘îmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 17:5 HEB: וְכ֤וֹבַע נְחֹ֙שֶׁת֙ עַל־ NAS: [He had] a bronze helmet on his head, KJV: And [he had] an helmet of brass INT: helmet a bronze on 2 Chronicles 26:14 Isaiah 59:17 Jeremiah 46:4 Ezekiel 27:10 Ezekiel 38:5 6 Occurrences |
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